Sanitation Department To Start Christmas Tree Recycling Jan. 3

NEW YORK (CBSNewYork) - Get ready for some mulchin'.

The Department of Sanitation announced today that curbside Christmas tree collection and recycling will run from Tuesday, Jan.3-Saturday, Jan. 14.

Commissioner John Doherty reminds New Yorkers to remove tree stands, tinsel, lights and ornaments from the trees. Doherty also wants people to remember to not put their trees in plastic bags.

Clean trees that are not in bags will be collected and turned into compost, which will be used in parks and gardens across the city.

"Compost is a natural fertilizer and is an excellent soil enrichment that promotes the healthy growth of plants and grass," said Doherty.

Some 140,000 trees are collected annually, the Department said.

In addition to curbside recycling, on the weekend of Jan. 7-8, the Parks Department will be hosting "MulchFest 2012." New Yorkers can drop off their clean, non-bagged trees at more than 70 sites. Those attending can also pick up free mulch.  For a complete list of MulchFest 2012 locations, click here.