Christmas Trees (Artificial) - Stockton Recycles

Artificial Christmas trees are handled as trash and are excluded from the Christmas Tree Collection program.

If you have an artificial tree to dispose of, you may 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.

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.

Ways to Reuse

Use for Years

Make the most of your artificial Christmas tree (and help the environment) by reusing the tree as many times as possible. As long as you take good care of it, it could be with you for years.

Donate or Sell Your Tree

If your artificial tree is still in good shape, consider donating it to a thrift store rather than throwing it out. You could also consider selling it online. November is the best time, but eBay has hundreds of listings year-round.

Reuse for Smaller Decorations

If your artificial tree is in rough shape after many years, remove and save the limbs that are still in good condition. They can be used to create smaller holiday decorations such as wreaths.

Did You Know?

Fake Trees: Greener Than Real Trees?

There’s no clear winner in the debate about whether real or fake trees are the more environmentally friendly choice. Some people say it’s fake trees because using them saves cutting down one tree for every year you use them. But others say real trees are best because they can be turned back into mulch, instead of filling up landfills with plastic. The only clear green choice is to skip fake or real trees and get a living, potted tree instead.

Inspired by the Toilet Brush

The first artificial Christmas tree made from brush bristles was manufactured in 1930 by the Addis Brush Company, using the same machinery that it used to make toilet bowl brushes, the only difference being they dyed the bristles green.