Staff Writer

Now that Christmas is over, it’s time to drag that Christmas tree ­ falling needles and all ­ to the curb.

Beginning Jan. 7, Troy Recycling Center employees will be picking up the dried-out trees.

Bill Rice Sr., who oversees the city’s recycling program, said pickup of Christmas trees will not begin until Jan. 7 because he wants to save time by waiting until all are put out at the curb.

"We can’t keep going back and picking up Christmas trees, so we can’t start picking them up earlier," Rice said, adding his small crew can only do so much.

It may take some time to get all the trees, but Rice wants to assure residents they will pick up all the trees.

"We plan to recycle every Christmas tree in Troy if they’ll put it out on the curb," Rice said. "Troy is the only city I know of that recycles every tree put at the curb."

All the trees collected will be held at the landfill for anyone who would like to use them.

Some people will pick up the once-decorated, lighted trees and dump them into ponds and lakes to create fishing reefs. By sinking the trees, fisherman are able to attract minnows, which, in turn, create habitats for game fish like crappie and bass.

Recycling, Rice said, allows citizens to help the environment, as well as fisherman and landscapers.

Those trees that are not picked up will become landscaping material.

"At the end of January, we’ll chip up what we’ve got left," Rice said.