Is your Dyson clogged with pine needles? Are you ready to pitch Christmas tree?

Christmas is over, and it's time to get rid of the tree. (Photo by Erica Garman)

Instead of leaving the tree by the curb with your other household waste, you may want to consider a “greener” approach to disposing of your conifer.

Loudoun County has five complimentary drop-off locations set up for tree recycling starting today and continuing through Jan. 20.

Trees should be free of decorations, lights, tinsel and netting, say officials from the county’s Office of Solid Waste Management, as they’ll be processed into a natural mulch product that the county provides free-of-charge to residents year-round.

Drop-off locations include:

Claude Moore Park (use Loudoun Park Lane entrance, go to ball fields), 21544 Old Vestal's Gap Road, Sterling, open daily, 7 a.m. to 5 p.m.

South Riding Town Hall, rear parking lot next to tennis court, 43055 Center Street, South Riding, open daily.

Loudoun County Landfill Recycling Drop-off Center, 21101 Evergreen Mills Road, Leesburg, Monday through Saturday, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. (closed Jan. 1, 2009).

Franklin Park, 17501 Franklin Park Drive, Purcellville, open daily, 7 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Lovettsville Game Protective Association, 16 South Berlin Pike, Lovettsville, open daily.

Keep in mind that some homeowners associations and town collections offer similar recycling programs, so you may want to check with your trash service provider, HOA or municipality before hauling your tree to one of these spots.

Officials say this service is not available for Christmas tree vendors or those with a large volume of trees to recycle.

For more information, call 703-777-0187 or click here.