Where to recycle your Christmas tree
Take your real tree to a town or county tree drop-off or yard waste site, or put it out for curbside tree pickup, which many haulers run in the two weeks after Christmas. Remove every ornament, light, hook, bit of tinsel and the stand first. Most programs chip trees into free mulch. Don't put it in the trash, and never burn it in a fireplace or wood stove.
Christmas tree drop-offs and yard waste sites
Your options
| Option | How it works | Watch for |
|---|---|---|
| Curbside tree pickup | Your hauler collects trees on set days, often in the two weeks after Christmas1 | Size limits, and no ornaments or flocking |
| Town or county drop-off | Free drop-off sites, often up to two trees at no charge1 | Dates and residency rules |
| Yard waste or compost site | Year-round sites that take brush often take trees too | Call first to confirm they take trees |
| Nonprofit pickup | Scout troops and other groups collect trees for a small donation, by appointment1 | Book early |
| Reuse it yourself | Bird shelter in the yard, chipped mulch, or a fish habitat in a private pond1 | Strip every decoration first |
Get the tree ready
- Take off everything: ornaments, lights, hooks, garland and tinsel.
- Remove the stand. A tree bag under the stand makes this cleaner.1
- Skip the plastic bag. Most programs won't take bagged trees.
- Cut it down to size if it's going in a yard waste cart.
Never burn your tree in a fireplace or wood stove.1
Pittsburgh drop-offs
The City of Pittsburgh takes trees from December 26 to January 26 at public works yards, parks and pools across the city, then turns them into free mulch for residents in spring. Allegheny GoatScape also takes trees in January for a suggested $10 donation, as long as they have no paint, ornaments, tinsel, wire or yew.2 See all Pittsburgh locations on the Allegheny County page.
Christmas tree drop-offs and yard waste sites
Rather not haul it yourself near your area?
Tell us what needs to go and get a quote from a local junk removal or dumpster company.
Free, no obligation. We never sell your details.
Common questions
When can I recycle my Christmas tree?
Most programs run from the day after Christmas through mid or late January. Pittsburgh's drop-offs, for example, run December 26 to January 26. Check your town's dates, since curbside pickup windows are often short.
Can I put my Christmas tree in the trash?
It's better not to. Real trees are biodegradable and most towns chip them into mulch for free. A tree left at the curb outside a pickup program may just go to the landfill.
Can I recycle a flocked or painted tree?
Often not. Many programs refuse flocked, painted or tinsel-covered trees because they contaminate the mulch. Ask your local program first.
What about artificial trees?
Artificial trees aren't recyclable in tree programs. Donate one that still works, or check your trash hauler's bulky item rules.
Can I get free mulch back?
Many cities offer the mulch to residents in spring. Pittsburgh makes it free for all city residents.
Sources
- How to recycle National Christmas Tree Association
- Christmas Tree Recycling City of Pittsburgh