Christmas Trees (Real) Special Instructions Christmas trees will be collected for three weeks starting the first Monday after December 25. Christmas trees should be set out for recycling on your regularly scheduled collection day. Make sure to remove all ornaments, tinsel, lights, stands, and other non-organic objects from the tree. If the tree is taller than 6′, cut it in half so it is easier to remove. Place the tree at the curb. Flocked or fireproofed trees may be placed at curbside for collection; however, they will not be recycled. If you still have a Christmas tree to dispose of after the third week: Unflocked or non-fireproofed tree: Please cut it into smaller pieces and place it in your organics cart for recycling. The organics cart lid must be closed completely to ensure collection. You may also call your service provider to schedule a curbside collection for a fee. Flocked or fireproofed tree: Please cut it into smaller pieces and placed it in your trash cart for disposal. The trash cart lid must be closed completely to ensure collection. You may also call your service provider to schedule a curbside collection for a fee. Remove All Ornaments, Lights and Tinsel Before you recycle your live Christmas tree, make sure that it is free of all ornaments, lights and tinsel. Ways to Reduce Decorate a Potted Tree Instead It may be unconventional, but skipping the traditional Christmas tree (real or fake) altogether and decorating a potted tree you’ve bought or have in your home is a truly green way to have a tree for the holidays. Buy a Rooted Tree and Plant It After the Holidays Next holiday season, buy a tree with roots (it can be balled and burlap or containerized) and plant it in your yard after you use it. Did You Know? Christmas Trees as Job Creators According to the National Christmas Tree Association (NCTA), the Christmas tree industry employs more than 100,000 people in the United States. The Environmental Benefits of Christmas Trees Although they’re planted just to be cut down and used as a decoration once they’ve reached maturity, Christmas tree farms have a positive impact on the environment. Each acre of Christmas trees produces enough oxygen for the daily needs of 18 people.
