The ornaments are put away. The tinsel has been stripped from the tree branches. The once glittering Christmas tree is now an evergreen with needles falling all over the carpet.

But despite the browning needles, that Christmas tree can stay green. Residents of Newton County can recycle their trees, and can later use the mulch it generates for gardens.

While those living within the city limits of Covington, Porterdale or Oxford can put their trees on the curb for collection, other county residents have some “green-friendly” options.

The City of Social Circle is part of the “Bring One for the Chipper” recycling program organized by Keep Georgia Beautiful. Trees can be brought to 138 East Hightower Trail in Social Circle, Dec. 26 and Jan. 4, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. The trees should be placed in the marked locations.

For more information about “Bring One for the Chipper,” call Mark Miller at 770-464-1866, or visit http://www.keepgeorgiabeautiful.org/.

Snapping Shoals Electric Membership Corporation is also offering Christmas tree recycling through Jan. 12 at the Covington Office, located at 14750 Brown Bridge Road.

Participants will be able to mark their trees with tags provided by SSEMC when they arrive and will receive an evergreen seedling or tree for doing so. Five participants will be entered into a drawing for larger evergreen trees. Trees will be delivered to participants at the end of January.

Newton County residents can also take their trees to any of the 11 neighborhood recycling centers. Locations and hours of operation can be found at http://www.co.newton.ga.us/departments/landfill/recycling-centers. Free mulch is available at the county’s landfill (770-786-5808) and the City of Covington’s recycling center (770-385-2046).