Compostable/biodegradable christmas tree disposal container

Abstract

The present invention relates to systems and methods for encasing, transporting and disposing a natural tree in a manner most conducive to protecting the environment. More particularly, the invention relates to systems and methods using a compostable, biodegradable bag large enough to encase a tree for handling it in transport and in disposal. Though there are several different embodiments of biodegradable bags that may be used for the design, this disclosure covers two embodiments: a top-down approach, wherein the bag is sheathed over the tree starting from the top, and a bottom-up one where the trunk fits through an aperture in the bag, and is then cloaked upwards around the tree. In either case, the bag is then sealed and fastened.

1 . A biodegradable, ecologically-friendly container for enclosing an entire tree for transport and disposal, which prevents littering by debris shed by the tree, comprising:
 a biodegradable bag which fits around the tree, said bag consisting of a biodegradable material such as a polymer manufactured from organic raw materials;   a plurality of apertures to accept ingress of the tree.   
     
     
         2 . The container of  claim 1 , further comprising a biodegradable tie to seal at least one of the apertures. 
     
     
         3 . The container of  claim 1 , wherein the biodegradable material is a biodegradable polymer. 
     
     
         4 . The container of  claim 1 , which can also be composted. 
     
     
         5 . The container of  claim 1 , wherein the tree is accepted into the bag by means of a recess at the top and sealed by tying the mouth of the aperture around the lower trunk. 
     
     
         6 . The container of  claim 1 , wherein the trunk of the tree is accepted into the bag by means of a snugly fitting recess at the bottom and sealed by tying at the top. 
     
     
         7 . The container of  claim 1 , wherein the bag is conical. 
     
     
         8 . The container of  claim 1 , wherein the bag is rectangular. 
     
     
         9 . The container of  claim 3 , wherein the biodegradable polymer may be moldable, printable, anti-static and easily sterilized by radiation. 
     
     
         10 . An ecologically-friendly method for enclosing an entire tree for transport and disposal, preventing littering by debris shed by the tree, comprising the steps of:
 accepting ingress of the tree into at least one aperture within a biodegradable container in the form of a bag which fits around the tree, said bag consisting of a biodegradable material such as a polymer manufactured from organic raw materials;   sealing at least one of the apertures.   
     
     
         11 . The method of  claim 10 , wherein the sealing step is accomplished by means of a biodegradable tie. 
     
     
         12 . The method of  claim 10 , wherein the biodegradable material used to make the bag is a biodegradable polymer. 
     
     
         13 . The method of  claim 10 , wherein the container can also be composted. 
     
     
         14 . The method of  claim 10 , wherein the step of accepting the tree into the bag is accomplished by means of a recess at the top; and the step of sealing at least one of the apertures is accomplished by tying the mouth of the aperture around the lower trunk. 
     
     
         15 . The method of  claim 10 , wherein the step of accepting the tree into the bag is accomplished by accepting the trunk of the tree into the bag by means of a snugly fitting recess at the bottom and sealed by tying at the top. 
     
     
         16 . The method of  claim 10 , wherein the bag is conical. 
     
     
         17 . The method of  claim 10 , wherein the bag is rectangular. 
     
     
         18 . The method of  claim 12 , wherein the biodegradable polymer may be moldable, printable, anti-static and easily sterilized by radiation.