Mid-Missouri yard waste sites accepting Christmas trees

COLUMBIA, Mo. (KMIZ)

The City of Columbia and Jefferson City encourage people to drop off Christmas trees at their free-to-use yard waste drop-off sites.

When thrown out at a drop-off site, the trees are shredded and turned into mulch which will be used for city landfills, compost and landscaping projects.

Before dropping off, it is required to remove all decorations from trees including ornaments, tinsel and tree stands.

Columbia has two locations on Parkside Dr. and Capen Park, while Jefferson City's site is on Ellis Blvd. Both locations are open seven days a week during daylight hours.

According to the National Christmas Tree Association, burning Christmas trees in furnaces and stoves inside the home can be dangerous. The sap inside the tree can take months to dry and can become toxic smoke when inhaled

American Forests also suggests more unique ways of using old Christmas trees as home decor, potpourri and a bird feeder if placed outside.

The Missouri Department of Conservation is also accepting trees that will be placed in local ponds and lakes to improve fish habitats.