ST. LOUIS COUNTY, Mo. — The Christmas tree base, once filled with presents for family and friends, is now empty. Ornaments and decorations, too, will soon be boxed away as the holiday season comes to a close.

As the trees that once ushered in cozy feelings begin to brown and drop their needles, some may begin to ask “What am I supposed to do with this now?”

Your trash is the Missouri Department of Conversation’s (MDC) treasure. 

Residents throughout Missouri can “regift” their trees rather than letting them rot in landfills, thanks to a program through  MDC. The trees offer numerous benefits for wildlife, including acting as prime fish habitats when sunk in lakes, used as fresh organic matter when mulched, or providing cover to wildlife when left to decompose on property.

The department partnered with St. Louis County to offer numerous drop-off locations for residents looking to put their trees toward a good cause. All ornaments, lights, and tinsel must be removed from the tree before drop-off. Donations will be accepted between Dec. 16 and Jan. 19 at the following locations:

• 12500 Spanish Pond Road at Spanish Lake’s main parking lot
• 13777 Marine Avenue at the Sailboat Cove parking lot
• 550 Weidman Road at the corporate parking lot off Weidman near the complex
• 2701 Finestown Avenue at the Bee Tree Park Lake parking lot

Multiple facilities around St. Louis will also turn trees into compost or mulch. Fick Supply Services at 501 N. Eatherton Road accepts trees for free. Multiple St. Louis composting locations, including the facilities in Valley Park, Maryland Heights, Florissant, and Pacific also accept trees for a $3 fee.