What to do with your Christmas tree 🎄

Recycling your Christmas tree in Chattanooga

Time to say goodbye to those Christmas trees. | Photo by NOOGAtoday

Sure, the holidays are all fun and games — but if you celebrate Christmas, you know that sooner or later you have to deal with that “Night of the Living Dead” tree in the corner. That doesn’t mean it’s dumpster-bound. Instead, we have some tips on how to put an old tree to good use.

Curbside pickup

The City of Chattanooga will recycle your tree for you. Customers must sign up online for collection or call 311 or (423) 643-6311. Once scheduled, bring it out to the curb on your scheduled pick-up day. To make sure it gets properly recycled, you’ll need to remove the tinsel, garland, tree stand + ornaments before bringing it out.

Drop-off recycling

Maybe you just can’t wait for curbside pickup. Drop the tree off yourself at one of the five Hamilton County recycling centers. Be sure to properly secure the tree to your car if you opt for this route. Bonus: your holiday boxes, tissue paper + non-foil-lined gift wrap can be dropped off at these same recycling centers.

Natural feeders

Give back to Mother Nature by making a natural bird feeder. Get creative with edible ornaments (think: orange-apple garlands and peanut butter pine cones), then set the tree out for birds to eat + take shelter. If your property includes a pond or lake, you can toss in the tree to make a natural reef, giving local fish a home.

Make your own mulch

When you take a tree to a recycling center they turn it into mulch anyway. So, why not use it for your own yard + spring garden? Ideally, you could shred the tree (for example, Home Depot has mulchers for rent), but usually by the time the holidays are over, the needles will already be falling off. You can spread them in garden beds or over the lawn.

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Today, Jan. 4

Dry January: Mocktails 101 | Wednesday, Jan. 4 | 6-7:30 p.m. | The Chattery, 1800 Rossville Ave., Chattanooga | $35 | Learn how to use fresh fruit, tea, and fermented goodness to create different mocktail recipes.
Alan Wyatt Quartet: Wednesday Jazz | Wednesday, Jan. 4 | 7-9 p.m. | Barking Legs Theater, 1307 Dodds Ave., Chattanooga | $5 | Enjoy a live jazz performance by Alan Wyatt Quartet.

Thursday, Jan. 5

Sensory Night | Thursday, Jan. 5 | 5:30-8 p.m. | Creative Discovery Museum, 321 Chestnut St., Chattanooga | Free | This CDM event is a low-stimulus evening for children with sensory sensitivities.
Creative Writing: The Hero’s Journey | Thursday, Jan. 5 | 6-8 p.m. | The Chattery, 1800 Rossville Ave., Chattanooga | $20 | Learn about the classic “Hero’s Journey” and leave the class with an outline of your own novel or movie script.

Friday, Jan. 6

Get Schooled: Native Animals | Friday, Jan. 6 | 1:30-2:30 p.m. | Reflection Riding Arboretum & Nature Center, 400 Garden Rd., Chattanooga | Donation | Learn more about Reflection Riding’s animal ambassadors and how to save them.
“Splash!” | Friday, Jan. 6 | 5-8 p.m. | In-Town Gallery, 26 Frazier Ave., Chattanooga | Free | See a special showing of artwork by the talented young artist of Splash Youth Arts Workshop.

Saturday, Jan. 7

Stand-Up Science | Saturday, Jan. 7 | 8-10 p.m. | Barley Chattanooga, 235 E. MLK Blvd., Chattanooga | $7+ | Come out for a comedy show by Ben Miller that’s hilarious, educational, and deeply personal.

We have a calendar filled with events and activities you can plan for in advance. Click the button below to bookmark ideas for upcoming date nights, family outings, and time with friends.

100+ MORE EVENTS

Weather

68º | Scattered thunderstorms | 90% chance of rain ⛈️

Closed

Beginning today, Jan. 4, Ruby Falls’ cave elevator will be closed for a scheduled refurbishment for 6-7 weeks. During this time, guests will be transported to an alternate cave entrance by bus + should plan for an extra 60 minutes during their visit.

Development

A 24-unit apartment complex aimed at renters earning between $30,000-$40,000 annually is underway in efforts to provide more affordable housing. The apartment complex located at 621 E. MLK Blvd. is slated for completion in early 2024. 🏗️ (Chattanooga Times Free Press)

Film

The Lookout Wild Film Festival recently announced its 2023 schedule. The festival will take place Thursday, Jan. 12-Sunday, Jan. 15 at the Walker Theatre. Tickets are available for purchase online now — snag your tickets before the price increases on Saturday, Jan. 7. 🎥

Arts

The Association for Visual Arts (AVA) will unveil its newest exhibit “Generation Next: Teaching the Future” on Wednesday, Jan. 11. The exhibit features work by Professor Mike Holsomback of Chattanooga State Community College + several of his current and former students.
With help from a grant by the Tennessee Arts Commission, Scenic City Shakespeare will develop + launch a new puppetry program for elementary-aged learners with Shakespeare at its core. Billie the Bard’s Puppet Playhouse will begin performances in the spring of 2023.

Pets

Looking to start your new year off with a new friend? The Humane Educational Society is offering half-off adoptions (excluding puppies) during the month of January for its Happy “Mew” Year adoption event. 🐾 (Local 3)

Outdoors

Outdoors enthusiasts can access free Tennessee State Parks offline trail maps via Trail Pack. The app uses GPS location tracking to move in real-time and guide you through parks — even if you lack service. 🥾

Eat

Don’t just eat better — eat the best. Sunbasket’s meal kit service delivers delicious, healthy meals created by award-winning chefs straight to your front door. Bonus: MKTtoday readers can get $100 off their first four deliveries and more when they sign up. 🍽️ *

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Stocking up on NOOGA goods 🛒

Shop our online store Six & Main to start showing off the best local gear. | Photo by Bonfire Visuals

We know you have some serious Chattanooga pride, and that’s why we created the NOOGAtoday x Six & Main Collection.

This online store features unique gear that’ll have you showing off the latest local fashion designed by creatives in the community. Plus, you’ll receive 20% off your first order when you sign up for the Six & Main emails.

While you’re filling your digital cart with local love, you might also fall in love with products from one of our other 24 cities.

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THE WRAP

Today’s issue was written by Kristen.

Editor’s pick: Happy New Year, Nooga! I’m happy to be back and excited for what 2023 will bring our way — especially some more stories about Chattanooga. Itching for us to cover anything in particular? You can always send story ideas and inquiries our way.

Missed yesterday’s newsletter? Meet your New Year’s resolutions in Chattanooga.

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Editorial: Brianna Williams, Kristen Templeton, Josh Kranzberg, Emily Shea, Jessalin Heins-Nagamoto, Dayten Rose, Sarah Leonhardt, Katie Smith | Send us a scoop, question, or feedback.

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