Christmas tree recycling programs kick into high gear this week in most metro area parishes. Local governments collect and recycle the trees to promote coastal restoration.

Today's the day to put your trees out in St. Bernard. Most other parishes, including Jefferson and Orleans, will begin collecting them later this week.

The St. Bernard Parish Government Road Department will pick up Christmas trees Monday, January 7 through Thursday, January 10. 

    Monday/Tuesday, January 7 & 8  - From Arabi Line to Paris Road
    Tuesday/Wednesday, January 8 & 9 - From Paris Road to Hannan Boulevard
    Wednesday/Thursday, January 9 & 10 - From Hannan Boulevard to the eastern end of the parish

St. Bernard Parish President Dave Peralta says some residents have already had their trees picked up. "Actually we've already been picking them up throughout the parish," he says. "The ones that people have been putting out, we've been collecting them for the program. But, officially, we're going to start on Monday, January the 7th."

"If people would like to come straight to our road yard and bring the trees, that's fine too," he says. "That would be a big help."
 
All parishes require that trees must have all decorations removed. Only real, green trees will be accepted. Flocked trees, artificial trees, and trees with tree stands cannot be used. Trees should not be placed in plastic bags.

"We ask people to remove all the decorations, tinsel and such," says Peralta. "If there's even broken ornaments on them, remove them."

It's best to place the tree out for collection the day before your scheduled pick up. 
 
JEFFERSON PARISH
All Jefferson Parish residents, including unincorporated areas, the Town of Jean Lafitte, Gretna, Harahan, Kenner and Westwego are advised to place trees curbside on the evening of Wednesday, January 9, 2013. Garbage trucks will make one pass through each neighborhood to collect trees within the dates of January 10, 11, and 12, 2013. This differs from past years, when trees were typically collected on the second scheduled garbage collection day. For more information, contact the Jefferson Parish Department of Environmental Affairs at (504) 731-4612.

ORLEANS PARISH
Orleans Parish residents can recycle their Christmas trees by placing them curbside on their regularly scheduled collection days January 10, 11 and 12.  New Orleans residents seeking more information should contact the Office of Coastal and Environmental Affairs at (504) 658-4071.

TERREBONNE PARISH
Residents of Terrebonne Parish can place their Christmas trees in the area of their normal garbage pickup through January 8, 2013. Residents may also drop off their Christmas trees at the TPCG Residential Drop-off Sites located at 263 Ashland Landfill Road, 651 Isle of Cuba Road in Schriever or 160 Crochetville Road in Montegut.

LAFOURCHE PARISH
Lafourche Parish collection days will be consecutive Thursdays through Saturdays -- January 10, 11 and 12 and then again, January 17, 18 and 19. The parish is asking residents to simply place their Christmas tree curbside, separate from garbage and trash items, for pickup during this period. Due to program constraints, there will not be any drop off sites offered during this collection period. The customary drop-offs at the local high schools will not be available this year. All trees placed on the curbside after January 19 or any tree which is not recyclable will be picked up with the regular garbage pickup.

ST. TAMMANY PARISH - COVINGTON
Waste disposal contractor IESI will pick up bare trees on Tuesday, Jan. 15.

TANGIPAHOA PARISH
Southeastern Louisiana University will collect trees through the end of January at two area locations: the City of Hammond maintenance facility located at 18104 Hwy. 190 East next to the Piggly Wiggly Supermarket and at Middendorf's Restaurant on Hwy. 51 in Manchac. The university's Turtle Cove Environmental Research Station will use discarded trees to help build up marshland, particularly the area on Jones Island in Lake Maurepas.

PLAQUEMINES PARISH
Plaquemines Parish's garbage collection company, Solid Waste North and South, says they'll pick trees up at curbside after the holidays. The parish also is collecting used cooking oil, which will be turned into bio fuel to be used in Plaquemines. Officials said residents can bring used cooking oil to the Solid Waste North facility at 170 Sewer Plant Road in Belle Chasse or 135 Compacter Road in Port Sulphur.