How To Recycle Your Christmas Tree In Encinitas

ENCINITAS, CA — Don't dump or burn your Christmas tree this year — recycle it instead for free in San Diego County.

One of the trickiest parts about wrapping up the holiday season can be figuring out what to do with your Christmas tree. Luckily, an environmental nonprofit in San Diego County offers several recycling options. But first, always make sure your tree is stripped of lights, tinsel, garlands, ornaments and stands.

Flocked or artificial trees cannot be recycled. If your tree is over 6 feet, they must be cut in half.

While many communities across the county can get their Christmas trees picked up curbside, drop-off locations by community can be found here, according to environmental nonprofit, I Love a Clean San Diego.

"Did you know Christmas trees can take hundreds of years to decompose in a landfill due to lack of oxygen to break it down? Help us keep San Diego’s landfills clear by turning yours into mulch and compost!" the organization said.

In Encinitas, trees are accepted year-round — so if you don't get around to removing your tree until February, no big deal. EDCO will pickup trees during your scheduled trash and recycling pickup dates. Just be sure that no flocked trees end up in the organics cart; flocked and artificial trees should go into the landfill bin.

If you still aren't sure where to take your tree, visit WasteFreeSD.org or call the nonprofit's hotline between 8 a.m. and 1 p.m. Monday through Friday. Incorporated residents can. call 1-800-237-BLUE. Unincorporated residents can call 1-877-R-1-EARTH.