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.

Drop-off recycling

Maybe you just can’t wait for curbside pickup. Drop the tree off yourself at yard waste drop-offs and organic recycling centers across the metro.

In KCMO, drop off your tree for $5 with proof of residency (free on Saturday, Jan. 11) at Missouri Organic Recycling:

11660 N. Main St.
10301 Raytown Rd.

Regardless of residency, folks can drop off their trees for free in Johnson County through Friday, Jan. 31 at:

Theatre in the Park
Heritage Park
Kill Creek Park
Big Bull Creek Park

Be sure to properly secure the tree to your car if you opt for this route. Find additional, city-specific resources and curbside pickups via Mid-America Regional Council’s extensive list.

Bonus: Drop off lights, gift boxes, and paper at city 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.