What to Do With a Used Christmas Tree : Recommended: A recycling program very much in the holiday, and ecological, spirit

In the first weekend of the new year, one of the last household chores from the old year is to clear out drooping, drying Christmas trees. The task is not as much fun as putting up the tree, but it’s another opportunity to recycle and help the environment.

Recycling may take a little extra effort--a phone call or even a trip to drop off your tree. The process may even be confusing because programs vary depending on where you live. But with the biggest tree recycling effort ever under way this year, everyone should be able to find someplace nearby to take a tree. In Los Angeles County, for example, 44 cities are recycling Christmas trees this year. If your city does not offer tree recycling, check with county authorities.

Southern California officials want to chop the trees into chips for use as mulch or compost material. (With wood chips, the composting process takes only 90 days, compared to years for an intact tree to break down). If not recycled, the trees will take up precious space in landfills.

The Christmas tree recycling programs vary by cities and counties. Some provide for curbside collection through next week. Others have established drop-off points. A few even are rewarding the environmentally conscious with coupons for four-quart bags of potting soil.

For residents of the city of Los Angeles, there’s a hot line: (800) CITY SAN; call today. Residents in unincorporated areas of Los Angeles County may call (800) 552-5218; call Monday. In Orange, San Diego, Ventura, San Bernardino and Riverside counties, check first with your city.

Every little bit of recycling counts. Local landfills are filling up at an alarming rate, and they don’t need thousands of trees added to them. The ol’ Christmas tree may not be a pretty sight today. But it’s far from useless. A recycled tree will help give new life to other greenery throughout Southern California.