December 18, 2020
Media Contacts:
Mark Miller, Administrator, Office of Public Information, 410-313-2022
Gina Bonomo, Recycling Coordinator, Bureau of Environmental Services, 410-313-6444
Recycle trees at hardware store, parks and the landfill
ELLICOTT CITY, MD – Howard County Government is offering residents a variety of FREE holiday tree recycling options through the County’s “Merry Mulch” program. Since 1993, the Merry Mulch program has kept thousands of trees out of the landfill, helping to save money and the environment. All collected trees are delivered to the Composting Facility at Alpha Ridge Landfill and recycled into compost and mulch. Residents are reminded that mask wearing at Alpha Ridge Landfill is always mandatory on the premises.
"This is a simple and effective opportunity for residents to keep trees out of the landfill this holiday season. By spring, these trees will be re-purposed and ready to use as compost and mulch," said Howard County Executive Calvin Ball. “Make a plan to recycle your tree this year and help support a cleaner and more sustainable environment for Howard County and our community."
Beginning Saturday, December 26th and continuing through Saturday, January 16th, holiday trees may be recycled seven days a week, 7:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., at the drop-off sites listed below. One exception to the above days and times is the Alpha Ridge Landfill, which is open Monday through Saturday, 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Look for Merry Mulch signs at the following drop-off sites:
- Clarksville: Kendall Hardware, 12260 Clarksville Pike (Route 108)
- Columbia: Cedar Lane Park, 5081 Cedar Lane
- Elkridge: Rockburn Branch Park (East), 5400 Landing Road
- Ellicott City: Small Circuit Court parking lot on upper Court House Drive (just past Ellicott Mills Drive, on the right)
- Highland: Schooley Mill Park, 12975 Hall Shop Road
- Marriottsville: Alpha Ridge Landfill Wood Waste Area, 2350 Marriottsville Road (open Monday through Saturday, 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.)
- Savage: Savage Park, 8400 Fair Street
- Woodbine: Western Regional Park, 14800 Carrs Mill Road
Howard County residents with curbside yard trim collection may set their holiday trees out on their yard trim day for collection through Saturday, January 16th. if you are not sure if you receive yard trim service, call the Howard County Bureau of Environmental Services at 410-313-6444.
Trees will not be picked up on trash collection days during this time for residents with yard trim collection. All decorations, including tinsel, garland, ornaments, lights, tree stands, plastic bags, etc. must be removed. Trees must also be cut into less than four-foot lengths and tied; they should not be bagged. Each bundle must weigh less than 40 pounds. Residents are reminded to set their tree out the night before their collection day. Trees will be picked up on your collection day, between 6:00 a.m. and 7:00 p.m. by the yard trim truck. Residents are reminded that artificial trees cannot be placed in the blue carts for curbside recycling. Artificial holiday trees and wreaths with metal components can be recycled year-round in the scrap metal area at the Alpha Ridge Landfill Residents’ Convenience Area.
After January 16th, when the sites listed above are no longer accepting holiday trees and curbside yard trim collection is no longer offered, residents may continue to bring their holiday trees to the Alpha Ridge Landfill Wood Waste Area – open Monday through Saturday, 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. No plastic bagged trees will be accepted. Additionally, after January 16th, trees will be collected as trash if put out on trash day.