Here's how to discard or recycle your Christmas tree before it becomes a fire hazard

Dean Muellerleile, Journal Star

January 2, 2022 at 12:56 PM

Aaron Pickett throws out a Christmas tree at a designated tree recycling location by the Morton Park District at 349 W Birchwood St. in Morton on Dec. 31, 2021.

When your natural, once-live Christmas tree begins to drop needles, turn brown and lose its pine scent, it's time to discard it.

According to the National Fire Protection Association, from 2015-19, there was an average of 160 home fires started by a Christmas tree per year. From 2011-2015, fire departments responded to around 200 home fires a year caused by trees.

Each year averaged two deaths, 12 injuries and over $10 million in property damage.

Susan McKelvey of the NFPA said people should be aware of the dangers of keeping a tree for over a month. "The longer it's in your home, the more there is a chance that something could happen," she told USA TODAY.

To keep your home safe, here are some places where you can safely discard that potential fire hazard.

Trash it

In the city of Peoria, GFL Environmental Inc., formerly PDC, will accept Christmas trees placed next to trash on regular pickup dates. Trees should be 5 feet or less in height (or sawn in half) and stripped of lights, tinsel, decorations, wire, hooks and stands. Bagging is encouraged. Trees will be sent to the county landfill, as they are not considered landscape waste.

Artificial trees less than 5 feet tall will also be accepted, but PDC encourages that they be donated to thrift stores.

A pile of Christmas trees at a designated tree recycling location by the Morton Park District at 349 W Birchwood St. in Morton on Dec. 31, 2021.

Recycle it

Another option is to "go green" with that brown tree. For those who prefer to recycle, here are some eco-friendly options.

Peoria

Better Earth Premium Compost at 1514 S. Cameron Lane will accept trees stripped of lights, tinsel, decorations and stands. The fee is $5. Drop-off hours are 8:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Monday through Friday. For more information, call 309-697-0963.

More headlines: At least 10,000 Peoria water service lines are made of lead. Why they need replaced

Tazewell County

Through Jan. 15, the following drop-off locations in Tazewell County will accept live Christmas trees for mulching:

Armington: Across the street from Village Hall
Creve Coeur: Village Hall, 101 N. Thorncrest
East Peoria: Illinois Central College East Campus, near truck driving training area
Hopedale: Behind Village Hall
Mackinaw: 605 S. Orchard (behind recycling bins)
Minier: Near recycling bin at Park and Pennsylvania
Morton: Freedom Hall, 349 W. Birchwood St.
Tremont: Leaf pile adjacent to City Park
Washington: 815 Lincoln, near maintenance
Pekin residents only: City will collect trees at the curb during the first two weeks of January.

Trees will be processed through a chipper, so all lights, ornaments, tinsel and plastic bags should be removed before bringing trees to the drop-off sites.

For further information, contact the Tazewell County Health Department at 309-929-0342.

USA TODAY contributed to this story.

This article originally appeared on Journal Star: Where to trash or recycle your live Christmas tree in Peoria, Illinois

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Recycle it

Peoria

Tazewell County

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