After all the holiday fun, many people have some cleaning up to do.
Fortunately, most waste can be recycled.
In December, household waste increases by about 23 percent compared to other months, highlighting the importance of responsible disposal.
Residents across Logan County are encouraged to recycle items such as paper, cardboard, and even electronics, which can be taken to the Logan County Solid Waste District.
Bellefontaine residents looking to dispose of their real Christmas trees can drop them off at the city compost area on Troy Road near the viaduct.
Please note, this disposal site is for city residents only.
For those living outside city limits—or anyone looking for a greener alternative—there are plenty of creative ways to reuse or recycle your tree instead of sending it to the landfill.
Here are 11 ideas to give your Christmas tree a second life:
- Wildlife Habitat: Place your tree near a bird feeder, another tree, or in your garden. Small birds like chickadees and finches can use the tree for shelter during cold nights and storms.
- Yule Log: Trim branches and cut the trunk into sections. Bundle and store them to create an aromatic Yule log for next year’s fireplace celebrations.
- Mulch for Plants: Spread branches in your garden to protect perennials and shrubs, retain moisture, and provide shelter for pollinators and wildlife.
- Outdoor Bird Feeder: Decorate your tree with popcorn, cranberries, or pine cones filled with peanut butter or suet to feed local birds.
- Winter Shade: Use branches to shade broad-leaved evergreens from harsh winter sun or block pests.
- Good Luck Roof Topper: Tradition holds that nailing a tree to the peak of a new roof brings good fortune.
- Balsam Sachets: Fill fabric scraps with needles to make fragrant sachets for closets and drawers.
- Windbreak: Collect trees from neighbors and line them along driveways or sidewalks as a winter wind barrier.
- Pet Deterrent: Place boughs around tree trunks to discourage neighborhood pets from unwanted “decorations.”
- Fire Starter: Use dried sprigs as kindling for fireplaces or woodstoves.
- Wood Chips: Give your tree to a friend with a wood chipper—chips make excellent mulch for gardens.
If you have the space, you can also simply leave your tree in your backyard.
Over the fall and winter, most trees—especially spruce and balsam fir—break down quickly, naturally enriching the soil.
Choosing to recycle rather than throw away all the festive decorations, wrapping, and more helps keep our community beautiful.
