San Diego County residents can recycle Christmas trees by placing trees in the green organic waste cart on your regular collection day from December 26, 2024, through January 6, 2025. Please ensure:
- Your tree is less than 4ft tall. If it’s over 4ft, you will need to cut your tree down and place it in your green cart so the lid closes.
- There are no stands, ornaments, lights or tinsel on your tree before you put it out for collection. These items do not break down and can pollute our waterways.
- Your tree does not have any fake snow, etc. on it. If it does, you will need to drop our tree off at a designated drop-off location.
- Artificial trees are not recyclable.
If you missed your tree pick-up date, you can bring your tree to a designated drop-off location. Go to WasteFreeSD.org to find a site near you.
For other holiday disposal questions, check out the City of San Diego’s holiday sorting guide or call I Love A Clean San Diego’s hotline for help.