It’s illegal to place natural Christmas trees and greens in the trash after the holiday season. Instead, bring them to a designated collection site. The Minnesota Department of Agriculture says diseases and invasive pests can be hiding in the trees and boughs brought into Minnesota from other states.

Washington County offers these drop-off sites for trees and boughs. Tree stands, plastic bags, tinsel, wire, lights, and any decorations must be removed before disposal.

The ag department also advises that trees and greenery should not be tossed into backyard woods or residential compost piles in order to avoid the spread of invasive species or disease. Wreaths and other decorative greens can be disposed of in trash cans.

Artificial Trees

Artificial trees that are no longer needed can be donated to secondhand shops or placed in the trash. Metal poles can be recycled as scrap metal.

Greeting Cards and Holiday Lights

Greeting cards free of metallic text and glitter and not printed on photo paper can be included in your recycling bin. Do not bag your recyclables. Musical greeting cards contain button batteries and circuit boards can be recycled after removal of batteries and electronics. Remove the button battery and circuit board card and bring them to the Washington County Environmental Center at 4039 Cottage Grove Drive in Woodbury. Unused greeting cards can be donated to secondhand stores. Holiday lights can be taken to the environmental center as well.

Other environmentally friendly holiday tips can be found here.