After the holidays, Montgomery County residents can recycle their live holiday trees for free. From now until Jan. 31, the Montgomery County Solid Waste District will be accepting live holiday trees at its two transfer stations located in Moraine and Vandalia. These trees will be recycled and turned into mulch. Montgomery County residents can dispose of up to three trees at no cost.

The Montgomery County Solid Waste District will recycle leftover live trees free of charge until Jan. 31, 2013.

In a release from the district, they said the trees should be clear of ornaments, tree stands, nails, and plastic bags. The trees will be recycled into mulch by a local contractor. Montgomery County residents may bring in up to three trees per vehicle for recycling at no charge.

Any additional trees and general trash will be charged at the standard disposal rates.

“The Holiday Tree Recycling Program is extremely popular, because it offers citizens an easy, inexpensive, environmentally conscious way to dispose of their trees after the holidays,” said Montgomery County Commissioner Judy Dodge. “By turning these trees into mulch, we are reducing the trash that is sent to local landfills.”

There are two locations to bring your trees. The Montgomery County Solid Waste Transfer Station in Moraine is at 1001 Encrete Lane, and the Transfer Station in Vandalia is at 6589 Old Webster St. The hours of operation are 6 a.m. to 8 p.m., Monday through Friday, and 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday.

Residents are encouraged to visit www.mcswd.org or may call (937) 225-4999 from 7:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Monday through Friday.