ABOUT CONTACT ADVERTISE

How to Recycle Real Christmas Trees Locally

By Julian Journal•

Real Christmas trees have an advantage over artificial trees — they can be composted or turned into mulch and are therefore more environmentally friendly than plastic trees, which require the use of fossil fuels and sometimes toxic materials to produce.

Moreover, mulching and composting a tree returns valuable nutrients to the earth and reduces landfill space and greenhouse gas emissions. According to the EPA, organic materials like Christmas trees, food and yard clippings are the number one material sent to landfills, composing two-thirds of the solid waste stream.

The County of San Diego and I Love A Clean San Diego are making it easy for residents to recycle their real Christmas trees this year by offering a countywide Christmas Tree Recycling Guide at WasteFreeSD.org, with curbside and drop-off locations for the region.

In the Julian area, trash customers are asked to remove all lights, ornaments, tinsel and tree stands; cut trees into four-foot lengths; trim off branches; and place trees inside green waste carts for collection. Do not attempt to recycle real trees that are flocked, or artificial trees.

Ramona Disposal Service will empty customers’ green waste carts on regular scheduled collection days between Dec. 26, 2021, and Jan. 9, 2022. Call 760-789-0516.

EDCO will empty customers’ green waste carts on regular scheduled collection days between Dec. 27, 2021, and Jan. 14, 2022. Call EDCO at 760-744-5615 to schedule pickup of bulky items on the next scheduled pickup day. Residents may place cut trees in their green bin at any time before regular collection day.

Republic Services will empty customers’ green waste carts or pick up trees on the curb year-round on regular scheduled collection days. Call 800-421-9401.

Waste Management will empty green waste carts or pick up trees next to the carts for customers who pay for green waste services. Other customers may call 619-596-5100 to schedule Christmas tree pickup for a nominal fee.

In California, a new state law (SB 1383) changes organic waste recycling in 2022, by requiring the recycling of Christmas trees and other organic waste-food scraps, food-soiled paper, yard trimmings and non-hazardous wood waste, such as lumber and pallets.

Christmas Tree Recycling Guidelines
• Do not flock or buy flocked trees. Fake snow (flock) contains chemicals that interfere with the composting process.
• If you use tinsel, it must be completely removed and discarded before the tree can be recycled.
• Make sure to remove all ornaments, garland, lights, nails, tree bags and tree stands.
• For areas where curbside tree recycling is available, trees taller than four feet should be cut in half, and pieces should be less than four feet.
• Reuse or donate artificial trees that are in good condition. Purchasing new plastic trees creates more waste and greenhouse gasses.
• Don’t let real trees sit around too long after the holidays. They can dry out and become fire hazards.
• Organic wreaths and similar decorations may be recycled with trees.

For information about I Love A Clean San Diego, or to volunteer or donate, visit CleanSD.org or call 619-291-0103.