How to Recycle or Dispose of a Christmas Tree

What to Do With a Real Tree

Real trees can be chipped into mulch or compost, and in some areas reused as fish habitat (sunk in a private pond), shoreline erosion control, or a backyard bird shelter. Most people simply use one of three programs: their city's curbside treecycling collection, a free county drop-off and chipping site, or a Boy Scout curbside pickup. Never burn a Christmas tree in a fireplace or wood stove. Because programs are local and seasonal — concentrated in the first two weeks of January — always check your own city or county solid-waste site for dates and rules.

Where to Recycle It Near You

Look for three things: (1) your city's curbside Christmas-tree special collection, which usually runs for about two weeks in early January and is typically free; (2) a free county or city drop-off/chipping site, where the mulch is often free to take home; or (3) a nonprofit or Boy Scout pickup. You can also search the Earth911 locator by ZIP. Dates, size limits and rules differ by municipality, so confirm locally before hauling your tree out.

Does Home Depot or Lowe's Take Old Trees?

Generally no — this is a common misconception. These stores sell trees but don't run a nationwide tree take-back program. Home Depot's own guidance tells customers to check with their local store or use Earth911; occasional store collection events are rare local partnerships, not a standing service. The reliable route is your city or county program, not a retailer.

How to Prepare the Tree

Return the tree to the condition it was in when you bought it: remove all lights, ornaments, tinsel, garland, hooks, wire, nails and the stand. A tree that's still decorated gets collected as trash, not recycled. Do not put the tree in a plastic bag. If it's taller than about six feet, many programs require you to cut it in half. One big exception: flocked trees (sprayed with fake snow) usually can't be mulched and are rejected by many programs — check before you haul one.

Artificial Trees

Artificial trees are not recyclable — they're a composite of PVC and metal that recycling facilities can't separate. If yours is still in good shape, donate it to Goodwill, the Salvation Army, a school, church or nursing home. If it's worn out, it goes in the regular household garbage; break it down or use a bulky-item collection day.

Frequently Asked Questions

What can I do with my old Christmas tree?

Recycle a real tree into mulch via your city's curbside treecycling, a free county drop-off/chipping site, or a Boy Scout pickup; it can also become fish habitat or backyard mulch. Strip off all lights, ornaments, tinsel and the stand first, and never burn it. For leftover decorations, see our holiday lights & decorations recycling guide.

Where can I recycle a Christmas tree near me?

Check your city's curbside special collection (usually about two weeks in early January, typically free), a free county drop-off/chipping site, or a Boy Scout donation pickup; you can also search the Earth911 locator by ZIP. Dates and rules vary by municipality, so confirm on your city or county solid-waste website.

Does Home Depot take old Christmas trees?

Generally no — neither Home Depot nor Lowe's runs a nationwide tree take-back program. Home Depot's own guidance says to check your local store or use Earth911. A few stores host rare local collection events, but don't count on dropping a tree at any store — use your city or county program instead.

How do I prepare the tree for recycling?

Remove every light, ornament, piece of tinsel, hook, wire, nail and the stand — a decorated tree is collected as trash, not recycled. Don't bag the tree, and cut it in half if it's over about six feet. Flocked trees (sprayed with fake snow) usually can't be recycled and are rejected by many programs.

How do I dispose of an artificial Christmas tree?

Artificial trees aren't recyclable (they mix PVC and metal). Donate yours to Goodwill, the Salvation Army, a school or a church if it's still usable; if it's worn out, put it in the regular household garbage or use a bulky-item collection day.