Christmas trees

Drop-off locations and curbside pickup info for all San Diego County residents

Source: I Love a Clean San Diego

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December 14, 2024 (San Diego) -- Did you know a Christmas tree can take hundreds of years to decompose in a landfill due to lack of oxygen? San Diego residents can help prevent waste and save landfill space by transforming their old Christmas trees into nutrient-rich compost or mulch.

The County of San Diego and I Love a Clean San Diego make it easy for residents to recycle their real Christmas trees by compiling a list of drop-off locations and instructions for curbside pick-up. The countywide recycling resource, WasteFreeSD.org, hosts the 2024/2025 Christmas Tree Recycling Guide with listings for curbside and drop-off locations.

When Christmas trees are recycled, they embark on a new journey that benefits the environment and the community. Through processes like mulching or composting, these trees are broken down into valuable organic material that enriches soil with essential nutrients. This process not only reduces the amount of waste sent to landfills but also plays a crucial role in lowering greenhouse gas emissions, as decomposing organic waste in landfills produces methane, a potent contributor to climate change.

According to the EPA, organic materials like Christmas trees, food, and yard waste are the number one material sent to landfills, composing two-thirds of the solid waste stream. By giving Christmas trees a second life through recycling, San Diego residents can contribute to a sustainable celebration of the holidays.

Christmas Tree Recycling Tips

• Do not flock or purchase flocked trees. Fake snow (flock) contains chemicals that interfere with the composting process
• If you choose to use tinsel, it must be completely removed (and placed in the trash) from your tree before it can be recycled.
• Make sure to remove all ornaments, garland, lights, nails, tree bags, and tree stands (metal or plastic) before recycling.
• For areas where curbside tree recycling is available, trees taller than four feet should be cut in half.
• Reuse or donate artificial trees that are in good condition.
• Do not let real trees sit around too long after the holidays. They can dry out and become fire hazards.
• Natural wreaths and similar decorations can be recycled with trees.

How to Compost Your Christmas Tree

Many local waste haulers offer curbside pick-up of Christmas trees and wreaths, in addition to dozens of community drop-off sites. Collected Christmas trees are mulched or composted, which is then used to improve soil health at public parks, local farms, and home landscapes and gardens. Visit WasteFreeSD.org for a list of drop-off locations and communities with curbside pickup.

About I Love a Clean San Diego

Founded in 1954, I Love a Clean San Diego is an environmental nonprofit supporting residents and businesses of San Diego County through youth and adult education, and local action through impactful volunteer events and workshops. For more information, to volunteer or donate, visit CleanSD.org. Connect with us on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram , and LinkedIn.