Christmas is over. It's time to decide the future and fate of your Christmas tree. For three decades, UNLV and community organizations have encouraged the whole community to take advantage of their Southern Nevada Christmas Tree Recycling Program.

Summerlin residents are once again encouraged to recycle their real Christmas trees once the holidays are over. In partnership with Springs Preserve, the UNLV Rebel Recycling Program and dozens of other local conservation organizations, the annual Christmas Tree Recycling Program returns Dec. 26 through Jan. 15.

Now that Christmas is over, a way to give back to our community has returned. Recycling your old Christmas tree could bring life to open spaces all across our valley, so before you toss your tree in the trash, a more environmentally friendly way is available.

The smell of fresh pine may be a delight to wake up to on Christmas morning. But as the crisp smell fades and Las Vegas creeps up on the new year, Las Vegas’ sustainability groups don’t want Christmas trees anywhere near landfills.

Southern Nevada residents are encouraged to recycle their Christmas trees after the holiday season, contributing to a sustainable community effort that has been ongoing for nearly 30 years.

Between Thanksgiving and New Year's Eve, the EPA estimates that waste in the U.S. increases by more than 25%, or by about 1 million tons. That’s 2 billion pounds of garbage.