Don’t: Just toss it to the curb for the trash guys.
Do: Haul it to the nearest recycling location, operated by the Southern Nevada Christmas Tree Recycling Committee. Springs Preserve is one spot, for instance, and with more than 30 drop-off points, you should be able to find a convenient one. The trees will be mulched for use in parks and so on. Also, it's free.
Wait, they’re still doing that? Yes — but only through Jan. 15.
Why bother? “When we recycle trees, we’re diverting waste from landfills, conserving water, and beautifying our local communities,” a committee spokeswoman told the Review-Journal.
I suppose you have some interesting contextual facts? Yes! The committee has recycled more than 300,000 trees since starting the program in 2001. That's a lotta mulch.
Fake trees? Don’t try recycling them, says Republic Services. If you can’t find a local place to donate them — Google hasn’t helped much — use the regular trash.
OK, enough with the trees. What about gift wrap? The short answer: Probably not. Most of the gift wrapping paper on the market is non-recyclable. Putting it in the recycling bin can contaminate the rest of the load, meaning that all the contents will go to the landfill. The same goes for items like ribbons, holiday cards, and anything that glitters.
Lights? Tinsel? Ornaments? Regular trash, not recycling, says Republic Services.
Note: City Cast editor Adrian González contributed to this segment.
