How to Recycle Christmas Trees
Once January 1 rolls around, you’re probably ready dispose of your Christmas tree. If you purchased a real tree, there are plenty of eco-friendly options for disposal.
Christmas Tree Recycling Preparation
- Remove any ornaments, lights, tinsel or other decorations from the tree, as well as the stand.
- Use Earth911’s Recycling Directory to find treecycling programs in your area.
- Put a tarp under the tree before you haul it to the curb or your car to prevent needles from shedding on the floor.
- If the tree is being picked up at the curb, you may need to cut large trees (taller than 5 feet) in half so they will fit in the truck.
Why Recycle Christmas Trees
- Many cities will collect trees at the curb for the two weeks following Christmas, making treecycling a convenient option
- Many cities chip or shred trees to produce mulch, which is often provided free of charge to citizens for their gardens
- Christmas trees placed in landfills produce methane when they decompose or are incinerated
Frequent Treecycling Questions
Additional Reading
- 5-Step Guide to Treecycling: A step-by-step overview of how to get rid of your Christmas tree
- How Christmas Tree Recycling Works: Earth911 talks with a local official about what happens to collected trees
- Real vs. Artificial Christmas Trees: The debate continues about which trees are better for the environment: real or artificial?
