How To Recycle Your Christmas Tree In Santee

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

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 Santee, trees will be collected curbside on Jan. 9 by Waste Management Recycle.

You can also drop off your holiday tree at one of these locations:

- Waste Management Recycle Center on Jan. 9 at 925 O’Connor Street, El Cajon. Monday through Friday from 7 a.m. to 4 p.m. and Saturday from 7 a.m. to noon.

- Sycamore Landfill, 8514 Mast Blvd., Santee. Trees can be dropped off Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Jan. 8 through 19. Must bring proof of residence.

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.