Don't trash that tree
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Recycle that real Christmas tree, those cardboard boxes, dead batteries and more that are still piled up in the garage.
Why it matters: The seventh annual Operation Christmas Cleanup is diverting all that festive foliage and gift accoutrements from landfills.
- That includes more than 750 trees, 500 pounds of batteries and 19,000 pounds of electronics in 2024.
What they're saying: "Residents want a safe and reliable way to dispose of their Christmas trees and other household items," said John "Doc" Holladay, executive director of Huntsville's Solid Waste Disposal Authority, in a statement.
- More than 1,000 trees were dropped off during 2025's Operation Christmas Cleanup, he said.
How it works: From 8am to 1pm this Saturday, Jan. 10, the Solid Waste Disposal Authority, alongside the Recycling Alliance of North Alabama, Huntsville Green Team and Madison, will team up to recycle that holiday detritus.
- Folks in Huntsville can bring their items to John Hunt Park, 2315 Airport Rd., and in Madison to the Madison City Schools Stadium, at 211 Celtic Drive.
- In case of rain, the event will be pushed to Saturday, Jan. 17.
Zoom in: Bring live trees (with lights and ornaments removed), flattened and broken-down cardboard boxes, batteries and old electronics.
Don't bring: artificial trees, lights and ornaments, wrapping paper or packaging materials like Styrofoam.