You spent time picking out the perfect tree, you’ve lovingly decorated it. Your cut Christmas tree stars in a few photos, becomes a central gathering place for the family, gives you a few weeks of delightful twinkle in the middle of the dreary winter. Now what? You’re going to haul it’s sorry carcass to the curb and leave it to rot in a landfill? Honestly. Is that any way to treat a major player in your holiday cheer?

Yes, it’s convenient to drag your tree to the curb, but wouldn’t it be nice to give it new life?

The Montgomery County Solid Waste District is accepting cut trees until January 31, 2008 as part of a free recycling program. Bring up to three trees per vehicle to either facility: 6589 Old Webster St. in Vandalia, or 1001 Encrete Lane in Moraine, and a local contractor will turn that vessel of holiday memories into mulch. The tree must be nekkid as the day it came into your house; that is no stands, hardware, ornaments, or plastic attached.

There are few sadder post-Christmas sights than a once gussied up tree- used, abused, and then kicked to the curb. Put that SUV to good use and bring in your tree (and pick up your neighbor’s while you are at it) anytime from 6 am. to 8 pm. Monday through Friday, and from 8 am. to 3 pm. on Saturday. Need more info? Call the Solid Waste Services at 225-4999.