Gastonia Times

County of Gaston issued the following announcement on Jan. 3.

If you’re wondering what to do with your Christmas tree now that the holidays are over, we have the answer for you. Gaston County is partnering with the Catawba Lands Conservancy to use the trees to shore up stream banks in the county. 

Eroded streams are dangerous for both humans and animals. By using Christmas trees that are carefully placed along the stream bed sides, the trees will, in time, decompose and provide adequate structure and nutrients to allow seeds and seedlings to grow and renew the stream banks.

For this reason, Gaston County Solid Waste and Recycling will be accepting Christmas trees for this important partnership project. Simply bring your tree to the facility at 3120 Philadelphia Church Road in Dallas through January 31, 2023. Any tree brought to other sites will be ground into mulch this spring. Normally, there is a $4 Garb Card charge, but the fee is being waived for this effort.

Also, if you’re interested in recycling any materials from the holidays, here is a list of items that will be accepted at our recycling centers.

• Brown paper packaging (no string)
• Corrugated cardboard
• Drink bottles
• Aluminum cans
• Natural decorations such as wreaths, garlands, pinecones, etc., will be made into mulch this spring

Please note that artificial trees, plastics, Styrofoam, wrapping paper, ribbons, bows, and other similar items will not be accepted at the recycling centers. These items should be discarded as household waste. If you have any questions, contact Solid Waste at 704-922-0267 or the Recycling Hotline at 704-922-7729 during normal business hours.

Original source can be found here.