Stonington launches Christmas tree recycling service to create free mulch

Christmas trees can find a useful second life once converted to free mulch for residents of Stonington and Deer Isle. Photo courtesy of Unsplash.

By staff

STONINGTON—While Christmas trees are now adorned with lights and ornaments, it won’t be long before they meet their ultimate end after the holiday. And the town of Stonington has a plan for them to turn them into mulch.

“Save your Christmas tree from a fiery end! Instead of throwing it on the burn pile, you can create an appealing covering for plants and pathways,” a press release from the town of Stonington says.

Stonington is offering a pilot program to all Island residents to recycle their Christmas trees by converting them to mulch.

“Every January, scores of Christmas trees end up on the Transfer Station burn pile,” the press release says..”Many people have ways to dispose of their trees in a manner that supports our Island, but for those who don’t, this is a great option.”

Christmas trees may be dropped off at the Stonington Transfer Station between December 27 and January 24. The trees will then be chipped into mulch and offered to the public for free. Residents of Stonington and Deer Isle are welcome to participate.

The town asks that residents remove all decorations, stands, and nails from their trees. Only Christmas trees are accepted. Other holiday decorations, such as Christmas wreaths, will not be accepted for the mulch program.

The Stonington Transfer Station operates seven days a week between 8 am and 4 pm. It will be closed on Jan. 1 and Jan. 19.