Prior Lake, Minn. – For the third year, the Shakopee Mdewakanton Sioux Community (SMSC) will provide free Christmas tree recycling to Scott Country residents who drop off their Christmas trees at the Organics Recycling Facility during designated hours from Monday, December 28, through Friday, January 15. Each year, more than 25 million real Christmas trees are sold in the United States. When recycled, these trees can be repurposed into usable compost.

Christmas trees will be accepted from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. each weekday from December 28 to January 15. Trees will also be accepted from 8 a.m. to noon on Saturday, January 2 and 9. The Organics Recycling Facility will be closed Sundays and New Year’s Day.

Trees must be free of tinsel, flocking, lights, and other non-compostable material. Garlands, wreaths, and spruce tops that are free of metal and other non-compostable items will also be accepted.

The SMSC’s Organics Recycling Facility is located at 1905 Canterbury Road in Shakopee. For more information, call 952-403-7030 or visit www.smscorf.com.

About the Shakopee Mdewakanton Sioux Community

The Shakopee Mdewakanton Sioux Community is a federally recognized, sovereign Indian tribe located southwest of Minneapolis/St. Paul. With a focus on being a good neighbor, good steward of the earth, and good employer, the SMSC is committed to charitable donations, community partnerships, a healthy environment, and a strong economy. Together the SMSC and the SMSC Gaming Enterprise (Mystic Lake Casino Hotel and Little Six Casino) are the largest employer in Scott County. Out of a Dakota tradition to help others, the SMSC has donated more than $325 million to organizations and causes and has contributed millions more to regional governments and infrastructure such as roads, water and sewer systems, and emergency services. The SMSC is the largest philanthropic benefactor for Indian Country nationally and one of the largest charitable givers in Minnesota.