Christmas trees were piling up at Santa Rita Park Sunday waiting to be recycled.
Some people dropping off trees were eager to start the year with a clean house or to be rid of a drying tree.
Sean Schtakleff never used to take the family Christmas tree down before New Year’s Day until his daughter, Brooke, was born shortly after Christmas.
“Now we have to separate the two,” he said after hauling his tree off the family car.
If you plan to recycle your tree, the city asks residents to leave only natural Christmas trees, wreaths and tree branches because all the materials are made into mulch.
Also, remember to take off all decorations such as ornaments, tinsel and garland.
If you are waiting a little longer to take down your holiday cheer, there is plenty of time, free tree recycling will continue through Jan. 31.
However, the city will not pick up trees left with trash by the curb.
Contact the Parks and Recreation Department at 375-7300 for more information.
mshinn@durangoherald.com
