CHARLESTON, S.C. (WCBD) -- With the 2024 holiday season ending, it will soon be time to take down the Christmas tree and festive decorations that have adorned your house for weeks. But what are you supposed to do with your nearly dried-out tree, old string of lights, and all that torn wrapping paper? Here is how and where you can dispose of them properly: Christmas Trees Do you have a real Christmas tree? If so, you can turn it into compost. Here are some options for recycling Christmas trees locally: Charleston County Charleston residents can place their real trees on the curb to be picked up on their regularly scheduled yard debris day. Tree collection will start on Jan. 6, 2025, and run through the week of February 14. Natural garlands and wreaths will also be accepted. Dorchester County Residents who live within the Town of Summerville or the City of North Charleston can place their trees curbside for regularly scheduled yard debris pick-up service. All Dorchester County residents can dispose of trees directly at one of the following sites: Miles Road Convenience Site (130 Suburban Lane, Summerville) Sandy Pines Convenience Site (374 Sandy Pines Lane, Dorchester) Remember to remove all lights, ornaments, and tinsel before recycling. Can I burn my Christmas tree? You should not burn your Christmas tree in a fireplace or wood-burning stove as this could increase the risk of a house fire. Can I recycle my artificial Christmas tree? Artificial trees cannot be recycled but can usually be thrown out curbside or in a dumpster. Contact your county waste management department to find out the proper disposal method for your neighborhood. Holiday Lights String lights should not be placed in your recycling bin as they could cause damage to recycling sorting equipment. You shouldn't throw them in the garbage either as they contain materials that can be harmful to the environment if disposed of improperly. Here are some other options. Holiday LEDs has a year-round Christmas lights recycling program where you can send in your old, used lights and receive an online coupon in return Some hardware stores like Lowe’s, Home Depot, and ACE Hardware may accept old, unwanted Christmas lights. Contact your nearest store for more information. If your Christmas lights still work, but you do not need or want them anymore, check to see if organizations like Goodwill, Habitat for Humanity, The Salvation Army, or other local nonprofit groups are accepting donations. Holiday decorations spark Hanahan house fire If your Christmas lights still work, but you do not want or need them anymore, check with organizations like Goodwill, Habitat for Humanity or other local charity groups to find out if they will accept a donation. Other Holiday Recycling Charleston County Environmental Management has complied a helpful list of which items can/cannot go in your recycling bin after the holidays: The following items CAN be recycled curbside: Gift boxes Flattened cardboard boxes Tissue paper Shoe boxes Gift bags (Remove robe handles) Wrapping paper Cards and envelopes The following items CAN'T be recycled curbside: Ribbons and bows Holiday lights Toys Bubble wrap Plastic wrap Styrofoam packaging/ peanuts Plastic shopping bags If in doubt about whether an item can be recycled, it is always a good idea to check with your county recycling service.