How To Recycle Your Christmas Tree In Oceanside

OCEANSIDE, CA — Don't dump or burn your Christmas tree this year — recycle it instead for free in Oceanside.

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, it 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 Oceanside, holiday trees are collected by Waste Management curbside for three weeks after Christmas until Jan. 12 on your scheduled collection day.

It's important to note that artificial and flocked trees are not recyclable and must be placed in a landfill cart with the lid closed. They may also be collected curbside next to the landfill cart. If artificial trees have lights that are not removable, they must be recycled with E-waste, the nonprofit said.

For trees placed curbside, the green waste cart collection truck will be picking up the trees on curbside services collection day.

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.