Recycle your holiday waste

The City of Raleigh is making it easy for its residents to "go green" in the post-holiday season by collecting discarded natural Christmas trees at the curb with regular yard waste. Put the trees out by 7 a.m. on scheduled collection days -- be sure to remove the lights, tinsel, ornaments and other artificial items to facilitate the recycling process. Do not put trees out until collection day. The trees will be turned to wood chips and mulch at the the Yard Waste Center and then sold to the public. Residents can take their trees to the site but will be charged a fee.

Wake County's Holiday Wrap Up Recycling Event will accept trash from the holidays, including Christmas trees, through Jan. 19 at several facilities around the county. Items accepted include wrapping paper, gift boxes, greeting cards, corrugated cardboard and television sets.