If O Tannenbaum has become old tannenbaum, it's time to recycle your Christmas tree.

        Many Tristate communities offer free tree recycling. Some, like Cincinnati, will even pick up the old arbors if they're left on the curb on normal trash days. Others advise you to drop them off at set locations.

        Regardless, be sure to strip off all decorations, lights and tinsel. Don't bag the trees in plastic; it gums up the works.

        “Yard waste makes up about 20 percent of what's going into a landfill,” said Holly Christmann, community specialist for Hamilton County's Department of Environmental Services.

        “Just by taking a small step and recycling your tree, residents are making a huge impact.”

        Recycled trees become mulch or compost. Hamilton county residents have recycled some 9,500 trees over the past two years, saving 190,000 pounds of waste from heading to landfills, she said.

        If you can't drop off your tree, often your regular waste hauler (CSI or Rumpke) will take it on the day of your usual trash pick-up.

KENTON COUNTY

Elsmere

        Curbside pickup until Jan 15.

Crestview Hills

        Curbside pickup today and Jan. 11 following regular trash collection hours.

Erlanger

        Curbside pickup daily until Jan. 18.

Taylor Mill

        Drop off in back parking lot of Pride Park, 5614 Taylor Mill Road, today .

Crescent Springs

        Drop off at Park & Ride, Anderson Road, and Crescent Springs Community Park, Rips Road, until Sunday. Park Hills

        Drop off at Tots Lot until Jan 8. Villa Hills

        Drop off behind Civic Club, 729 Roger Road, until Tuesday. Independence

        Drop off in Memorial Park, Delaware Crossing & Jackwoods Parkway, until Wednesday. Lakeside Park

        Drop off behind city building, 9 Buttermilk Pike, until Thursday. Ludlow

        Drop off behind the bleachers in Ludlow Park, at foot of Adela street near Hollingsworth Field, until Jan. 14.

Ft. Wright

        Drop off at city building, 409 Kyles Lane, until Jan. 16.

Edgewood

        Drop off in Presidents Park and Freedom Park, Dudley Road, until Jan. 18.

Erlanger

        Drop off at Public Works Department, 7:30-3:30 p.m., 3516 Jack Sheben Drive, until Jan. 22.

BOONE COUNTY

        Pick up service: Wednesday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., Boone County Public Works and City of Florence Public Service run snow routes to pick up trees curbside. Set out trees no later than 8 a.m.

        Drop off locations: Jan. 12, bring a bag and take the mulch home.

        • Flick's Food, 1786 Burlington Pike, Boone County, before 10 a.m.

        • Ryle High School, 10379, U.S. Highway 42, Union; before 2 p.m. behind the stadium.

        • Walton Park, 33 Old Stephenson Mill, Walton; before 4 p.m. at dumpster.

        • Ky 18 & Ewing Boulevard, southeast corner, Florence; before 2 p.m.

CAMPBELL COUNTY

Southgate

        Curbside pickup until Jan. 15.

Alexandria

        Drop off at city building until Saturday , 400 W. Main St. at the maintenance barn.

Highland Heights

        Drop off at city building until Jan. 11, 175 Johns Hill Road.

Ft. Thomas

        Drop off at Tower Park, South Fort Thomas Avenue, and Highland Hills Park, Mayfield Avenue, until Jan. 12.

Newport

        Drop off at city garage until Jan. 15, 1020 E. 9th St.

Southgate, Wilder, South Newport

        Drop off at Salt Barn in Community Park, Fort Beech Road, until Jan 15.

Silver Grove

        Drop off in Mosler Park, Ky. Route 8, until Jan 15.

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