Grime To Dime
The holidays are here! But before you know it, they'll be over—and you'll be left with a dried-out Christmas tree, tangled lights that don't work anymore, and boxes of decorations you're not sure what to do with. If you're in Howard County, you've got options. This guide covers everything you need to know about disposing of your holiday items responsibly.
Whether you're looking for free tree pickup, wondering where to recycle those old lights, or need help hauling away a mountain of holiday clutter, we've got you covered.
🚚 Need it gone now? Don't want to wait for curbside pickup or haul it yourself?
Grime To Dime offers same-day holiday junk removal in Howard County. Get your free quote or call (410) 300-6743.
Christmas Tree Disposal in Howard County
Real Christmas trees are 100% recyclable—they get turned into mulch that benefits our local parks and gardens. Here's how to dispose of yours properly:
Option 1: Curbside Pickup (Free)
Howard County offers free curbside Christmas tree pickup for residents during the first two weeks of January. Here's what you need to know:
Curbside Pickup Rules
- Timing: First two weeks of January (check exact dates on Howard County website)
- Preparation: Remove ALL decorations, tinsel, lights, and tree stands
- Placement: Place at curb on your regular trash collection day
- Size limit: Trees over 6 feet may need to be cut in half
- No bags: Do not put tree in plastic bag
Option 2: Drop-Off at Alpha Ridge Landfill (Free)
Can't wait for curbside pickup? Take your tree directly to the county facility:
Alpha Ridge Landfill
2350 Marriottsville Road, Marriottsville, MD 21104
Hours: Monday-Saturday, 8:00 AM - 4:00 PM (Closed Sundays & holidays)
Cost: FREE for Howard County residents with proof of residency
Trees are chipped into mulch—available free to residents in spring!
Option 3: Professional Removal
Don't have a truck? Don't want pine needles all over your car? Grime To Dime will pick up your tree (and any other holiday items you need gone) with same-day service available.
⚠️ Important: What NOT to Do
Never burn your Christmas tree in a fireplace or fire pit. Dried trees are extremely flammable and can cause chimney fires or dangerous flare-ups. The sap and needles can also release toxic fumes.
Artificial Tree Disposal
Unlike real trees, artificial Christmas trees cannot be recycled due to their mixed materials (metal frame, PVC plastic, fabric). But you still have options:
Donate It
If still in good condition, donate to Goodwill, Salvation Army, or local churches
Sell It
List on Facebook Marketplace or Nextdoor—someone might want it!
Bulk Trash
Schedule bulk pickup with Howard County or take to landfill
Junk Removal
Call Grime To Dime for hassle-free same-day pickup
Holiday Light Recycling
Those tangled strings of lights that don't work anymore? Don't throw them in the trash! Holiday lights contain copper and other recyclable materials.
Where to Recycle Christmas Lights in Howard County
Alpha Ridge Landfill - Recycling Drop-Off
2350 Marriottsville Road, Marriottsville, MD 21104
Accepts holiday lights year-round in the scrap metal recycling area
Home Depot & Lowe's
Many locations offer holiday light recycling programs (typically November-January)
Call your local store to confirm participation
Pro Tip: LED Upgrade
When replacing old lights, consider LED options. They use 75% less energy, last 25x longer, and are safer (they don't get hot). Many utility companies offer rebates for LED holiday lights!
Holiday Decoration Disposal Guide
Not sure what to do with other holiday items? Here's a quick reference:
♻️ CAN Be Recycled
- Cardboard boxes - Flatten and place in recycling bin
- Paper gift wrap - Plain paper only (no foil/glitter)
- Cardboard gift boxes - Remove ribbons and bows first
- Holiday cards - Remove any plastic or foil elements
- Shipping materials - Cardboard and paper packing
🗑️ Goes in Trash
- Metallic/foil wrapping paper - Cannot be recycled
- Ribbons and bows - Mixed materials
- Broken ornaments - Wrap glass carefully before disposing
- Styrofoam packaging - Not accepted in Howard County recycling
- Plastic gift wrap - Cannot be recycled curbside
🎁 Donate or Repurpose
- Unwanted gifts - Donate to charity if new/unused
- Decorations in good condition - Thrift stores accept year-round
- Gift bags and tissue paper - Save for next year!
- Ornaments you don't want - Schools and churches often need them
Post-Holiday Cleanup Timeline
Feeling overwhelmed? Here's a simple timeline to tackle your post-holiday cleanup:
December 26-31: Initial Sort
Box up decorations as you take them down. Create "keep," "donate," and "trash" piles. Bag up wrapping paper and packaging for recycling.
January 1-7: Tree & Decoration Removal
Take down your Christmas tree. Remove all decorations and prepare for curbside pickup or drop-off. Store keepers in labeled bins.
January 8-14: Donation Drop-Off
Take donate items to Goodwill or Salvation Army. Recycle old lights at designated locations. Schedule bulk pickup for large items if needed.
January 15+: Deep Clean
Vacuum up any remaining pine needles. Reorganize storage areas. Enjoy your clean, clutter-free home!
🚛 Skip the Hassle—We'll Handle It All
Don't have time to sort, haul, and drop off? Grime To Dime offers complete post-holiday cleanup services in Howard County. We'll take your tree, lights, decorations, and any other junk—all in one trip.
Same-day service available • Eco-friendly disposal • Licensed & insured
Get Your Free QuoteOr call (410) 300-6743
Frequently Asked Questions
Local Howard County Resources
Howard County Bureau of Environmental Services
For questions about recycling and waste disposal
Phone: (410) 313-1670
Website: howardcountymd.gov/recycling
Donation Centers
Goodwill: Locations in Columbia (6500 Freetown Rd) and Ellicott City
Salvation Army: Columbia location accepts furniture and household items
Habitat ReStore: 8775 Centre Park Dr, Columbia
💡 Remember: Donating usable items keeps them out of landfills AND helps local families. Many organizations see increased need during the post-holiday season.
Make This the Year You Start Fresh
The end of the holiday season is the perfect time to declutter—not just decorations, but anything that's been piling up. That broken furniture in the basement, the old mattress in the guest room, the exercise equipment nobody uses... why not start the new year with a clean slate?
At Grime To Dime, we help Howard County families clear out the clutter quickly and responsibly. Whether it's a single Christmas tree or a whole house worth of items, we're here to help.
Ready to Reclaim Your Space?
Get a free, no-obligation quote for holiday cleanup or any junk removal project. Fast, friendly service from your local Howard County team.
Get Free QuoteSame-day service available • Call (410) 300-6743
About Grime To Dime: We're a local Howard County junk removal company committed to responsible disposal and excellent customer service. From holiday cleanup to estate cleanouts, we make getting rid of unwanted items easy and eco-friendly.