By Leslie Collins
Northeast News
Jan. 19, 2011

Once the Christmas decorations are tucked away in the closet, there’s one thing left: the once live Christmas tree.

Those trees don’t have to be thrown in the garbage. They can be recycled, said Michael J. Shaw of the Kansas City Public Works Department.

“Trees have beneficial reuse after Christmas,” Shaw said. “Trees can be mulched or composted, which could be used to improve soil or used to help retain moisture around trees and shrubs.”

Before recycling a tree, all the decorations should be removed, he said.

Area residents may drop off trees at the Deramus Community Recycling Center at the leaf and brush drop-off or at Damon Purcell’s in south Kansas City near the old southeast landfill near 87th Street.