Tree Commission partners with Birmingham Zoo for Christmas tree recycling program

Now that Santa has come and gone, it's time to think about what to do with the live Christmas tree slowly drying up in your home. As in year’s past, the Mountain Brook Tree Commission will partner with the Birmingham Zoo to help make Christmas tree recycling a breeze.

Mountain Brook residents in need of a convenient tree disposal spot are encouraged to drop off their trees at the Zoo's picnic area between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m., now through Jan. 12. Residents are asked to remove any and all garland, wreaths and other decorations before dropping off their trees in order to ensure a timely recycling process. Only "clean" trees, free of decorations and wire, can be processed by the chipper. Small debris left on the trees must be hauled away as trash in order to prevent damage to the machinery, which can become a time-consuming task for volunteers.

Recycled trees will be turned into mulch for use at the zoo.