NEW YORK - It's a sure sign the holiday season is over now that the city has begun to collect used Christmas trees.

The Sanitation Department's curbside collection program runs through Saturday, January 14.

All trees picked up during that time will be run through a woodchipper and used as mulch in the city's parks and other public spaces.

Trees that are left on the curb must be free of all ornaments, tinsel, lights, and plastic bags.

If you are getting rid of a fake tree made of metal or plastic, you're asked to place it next to your recycling container on a regular recycling pickup day.

For more information, visit the Sanitation Department's website at nyc.gov/dsny.