If you made the environmentally friendlier choice to get a real Christmas tree this year, you will probably also be looking for an eco-conscious way to get rid of it come January. 

Instead of trashing your tree, recycle it. Recycled trees can be used in a variety of ways including as mulch, wildlife habitats, and material to line trails for hikers. 

So how do you do it? Every community is different, so check out your local options. 

In general, most areas will collect trees during regular waste and recycling pickup schedules for the two weeks following Christmas -- so don't delay if you're planning to put it outside. Make sure it's free of any inorganic material like ornaments and tinsel. 

You can also take your tree to a drop-off recycling center, available in most counties around the country. You can typically take two trees per day to a center free of charge. 

If you have the means, you can cut the tree yourself and fit it into your yard waste container. 

Many communities now offer tree recycling and mulching programs, which chip and shred trees to make the mulch available for use in your garden -- a great way to make the most of your investment  both in terms of dollars and satisfaction! Check with your local department of public works for details. 

Also investigate nonprofit groups, like the Boy Scouts, which may offer a pickup service for a small donation. 

For complete details and links, visit the National Christmas Tree Association's Web site. 

Article courtesy of iVillage
Photo courtesy of Getty Images