Christmas has come and gone, but it can be tempting to keep the decorated tree up for a while. However, if it's a real tree it should be disposed of sooner rather than later.

Christmas trees cannot be burned because there are ordinances against it. The wood from evergreens releases thick smoke into the air, and burning it in the fireplace can cause a chimney fire.

In the city of Erie, trees should be bare with all hooks and decorations removed before being put on the curbside where normal waste is picked up. The city will be taking trees until January 24th.

The trees are then taken to the city's composting site and mixed with the year's collected leaves, grass clippings and other lawn debris to make mulch. That mulch is dropped off in the city's parks all summer long for residents to take for free.

In Warren, the city is asking residents to drop off their bare trees in the parking lot adjacent to the C.A.R. Pool. Those trees will be used to improve fish habitats around Pennsylvania.

To find out how to properly dispose of your Christmas tree, call your local municipality or waste department.