You went out and found the perfect pine at an Atlanta area Christmas tree farm, you decorated it and enjoyed it all season long - and now it's time for the dreaded task for disposing your Christmas tree.
Luckily, there are a few different options for recycling your Christmas tree in the Atlanta area.
Tree Recycling Centers and Drop Off Points in Atlanta:
"Bring One for the Chipper," sponsored by Keep Georgia Beautiful, is the statewide recycling program for Christmas trees. Since 1991, "Bring One for the Chipper," has collected over 5 million trees. At many locations, Boy Scouts are on hand to help you quickly unload you tree.
Bring One for the Chipper (BOFTC) drop off day is January 5, 2013.
Most Home Depot locations participate in tree recycling. Atlanta area tree drop-off points for 2013 include:
- Home Depot, 650 Ponce de Leon, Atlanta (BOFTC)
- Home Depot, 2525 Piedmont Road, Atlanta (BOFTC)
- Home Depot, 4343 Tilly Mill Road, Atlanta (BOFTC)
- Home Depot, 4325 New Snapfinger Woods Drive, Decatur (BOFTC)
- Home Depot, 2295 Lawrenceville Highway, Decatur (BOFTC)
- Home Depot, Cumberland Parkway (BOFTC)
- See the full list of Bring One for the Chipper Home Depot locations here (PDF).
Agnes Scott College will accept trees for recycling in the parking lot - entrance to the parking lot is between 184 and 206 S. Candler St., Decatur (December 28, 2012 - January 6, 2013)
Vickery Creek Elementary - 6280 Post Road, Cumming (December 26, 2012 - January 5, 2013 from 9 a.m. - 4 p.m.)
Find additional locations.
Curbside Tree Disposal in Atlanta:
Some counties do take Christmas trees curbside, just like your regular trash pickup. However, there are usually some limitations on what they will accept.
Dekalb and Fulton County
Dekalb and Fulton County residents may dispose of their Christmas tree curbside, but only if the tree is less than four feet tall. Trees should be placed at the curb according to the schedule for yard debris pick-up. All decorations and lights must be removed before disposing of the tree. Remember that this applies to those serviced by Dekalb or Fulton County Public Works - and not those who may live within the county but are serviced by an individual city (Atlanta, Decatur, etc).
Decatur
Cub Scout Pack 134 is offering free tree pickup service on Saturday, Jan. 5. Donations will be accepted, but not required. To request a tree pickup by the Cub Scouts, email Tom Atkinson, tomatk@bellsouth.net, or call/text 404-441-2370.
Mulch From Recycled Trees:
The tress recycled through the "Bring One for the Chipper" program are turned in to mulch. The mulch from these trees has been used for playgrounds, local government beautification projects, and individual yards - yep, you can actually get the mulch for free to use in your gardening projects! The mulch is considered to be a higher quality than what is available at commercial garden centers. You'll need a fairly large project to make use of this program - the delivery will cover between 15 - 20 cubic yards.
To get mulch for your project, download this form (PDF), fill it out and fax it in. On the form, you'll need to provide information about where the mulch should be delivered along with a diagram of the project area. The location must be accessible for large vehicles, so be aware of any low tree limbs or power lines in the area.
