Did you decorate with a real tree this year? How to stay green when disposing of it?

Anna Miller

December 26, 2024 at 1:41 p.m.·2 min read

Decided on a real tree this year? Here’s how to stay green when cleaning out the decorations

Now that the halls have been decked and the Christmas holiday has passed, it will soon be time to take down the tree.

If you decided on a real tree this year and are wondering what the best way to get rid of it is, here’s the best way to clear out your decorations this year.

Recycle your tree

Recycling your live Christmas tree is a great way to reduce waste and help the environment this season.

In Beaufort County, residents with county convenience center decals can bring their live Christmas trees to any County Convenience Center (just be sure to take off all lights and ornaments before recycling).

All 10 centers are open 7:30 a.m. to 6 p.m., but various centers are open on different days:

104 Simmonsville Road, Bluffton (closed Wednesdays)
26 Summit Drive, Hilton Head (closed Wednesdays)
80 Shanklin Road, Beaufort (closed Wednesdays)
639 Sea Island Parkway, St. Helena (closed Wednesdays)

63 Big Estate Road, Yemassee (open Mondays, Thursdays and Saturdays)
10 Cee Cee Road, St. Helena (open Mondays, Thursdays and Saturdays)
6 Keans Neck Road, Seabrook (open Mondays, Thursdays and Saturdays)

208 Johnson Road, Seabrook (open Sundays, Tuesdays and Fridays)
152 Cuffy Road, St. Helena (open Sundays, Tuesdays and Fridays)

All centers will be closed at 1 p.m. on New Year’s Eve and closed all New Year’s Day. All convenience centers are closed on Wednesdays.

For residents who do not have convenience center decals, Christmas trees can be brought to the Shanklin Road in Beaufort or Simmonsville Road in Bluffton locations.

When bringing your trees to be recycled, they should be placed in the yard waste bins.

For more information on the locations and hours of Beaufort County Convenience Centers, please visit www.beaufortcountysc.gov/recycle or call 843-255-2736.

Still want to recycle your tree but can’t make it to the dump?

LoadUp makes it easy for residents to get rid of their trees this season.

Serving all areas of the Lowcountry, including Hilton Head, Bluffton, Port Royal and more, LoadUp allows you to get rid of your tree without the hassle.

They offer in-home or curbside pick up and you can schedule a time here. Tree removals vary in cost based on your location.

LoadUp also keeps tree removal green by recycling your tree and making removal eco-friendly.

What if I have lights I don’t want?

If you’re looking to get rid of more than just your tree, you can recycle your old Christmas lights at the Hilton Head Convenience Center, 26 Summit Drive.

When recycling, ensure that you place the lights in the designated container.

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Did you decorate with a real tree this year? How to stay green when disposing of it?

Recycle your tree

Still want to recycle your tree but can’t make it to the dump?

What if I have lights I don’t want?

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