COVINGTON, Ky – The City of Covington Department of Public Improvements Urban Forestry Division, Rumpke Waste & Recycling and Keep Covington Beautiful are offering Covington residents two ways to recycle natural Christmas trees this year.

Residents can either have trees picked up curbside or drop trees off at one of three locations.

Tree Drop-off Locations

Residents can drop off trees December 28-January 18 at the following locations:

• South Covington: Parking lot off of Tripoli and Hands Pike, adjacent to the neighborhood park.
• Devou Park: Urban Forestry Garage, 1700 Montague Road
• Downtown Covington: Parking lot located at 209 Greenup Street, northwest corner of parking lot.

Residents should prepare their trees for recycling by removing all lights, tinsel and other decorations. Trees should not be placed in plastic bags.

Schedule Curbside Pickup Collection

Curbside pickup will take place January 4-18. Residents must contact Rumpke at 1-877-786-7537or covington@rumpke.com 48 hours in advance to request curbside tree collection. After tree collection is requested, the pick-up will occur the same day as trash collection.

The recycled trees will be converted into mulch which will be used by the City's Urban Forestry Division and offered to residents for free.

“Every year, roughly 40 million tons of compostable yard waste end up in landfills. In the past, Christmas trees have contributed to this number,” said Sheila Fields, Solid Waste Coordinator.

“This program allows us to give a gift to our community. Urban Forestry will convert the trees into mulch that residents can use for their personal gardens, community gardens or neighborhood beautification efforts.”

To find out how to schedule a mulch pick up, contact the Department of Public Improvements at 859-292-2292 for more information.