Many people celebrate the holiday by decorating real trees in their home. It is important to properly dispose of holiday trees at the end of the season.
Things To Do
Clean off all decorations or ornaments from your tree before removing it from your home. Some holiday decorations are not recyclable or require other means of disposal. Fake trees often cannot be recycled and should be donated when possible.
The best way to dispose of a real tree is to take it to a local recycling program or drop off location. It may be acceptable to burn trees as an alternative but check local laws and ensure a fire ban in not in effect.
Alaska’s Recycling Program
Some areas in Alaska offer a recycling program each year. You can drop off trees at CARRS and Safeway stores in your area, primarily Anchorage and the surrounding cities. The program started in 1995, with CARRS-Safeway as a sponsor each year. Take your tree to the drop off points for the recycling program. In this program, trees that are recycled are chipped and made into mulch for residents of the city or county.
Things To Avoid
Never burn your tree in a fireplace or wood stove. The sap from fresh trees can cause a fire hazard in your chimney or vent. Never set your tree outside in the yard, bugs and pests may attract to the tree. Additionally, trees can catch or carry diseases that may affect other parts of your property. Throwing a tree in the yard may seem like a good idea but can cause larger problems later.
Doing your part to ensure that tree sickness does not spread through Alaska or unwanted pests are not attracted to dead or rotting trees will maintain Alaska’s natural beauty. If you choose to participate in real holiday trees, please be responsible and dispose of it properly.
The Merdes Law Firm has been helping injured Alaskans for more than 30 years. It’s who we are. And while we hope you never need us … We’re here if you do. ~ Ward Merdes
Source: “Disposing Of Your Christmas Tree“
