When, How To Get Rid Of Live Christmas Trees In Bethesda 2024

BETHESDA, MD — Once Christmas comes and goes, residents will need to get rid of their live Christmas trees in the coming days. Christmas tree recycling is provided year-round in Bethesda and the rest of Montgomery County.

The time to say farewell to your live Christmas tree will depend on when you got it, what condition it is in, and whether it was properly watered.

Live Christmas trees can pose a fire hazard as they dry out, according to the National Fire Protection Association. The organization says Christmas tree fires aren't common but can grow quickly when they occur. Nearly one in three Christmas tree fires are caused by electrical issues, and one in five are due to a heat source too close to the tree.

The National Fire Protection Association recommends getting rid of your live Christmas tree after Christmas or when it is dried out. Once removed, Christmas trees should not be left in homes, garages or leaning against homes.

Montgomery County accepts Christmas trees year-round in its curbside yard trim recycling collection. Residents should place their Christmas tree at the curb by 7 a.m. on their recycling collection day.

Christmas trees are given a new life after being composted or chipped. Therefore, residents should remove the stand and all decorations, including lights, ornaments, tinsel, and garland. Also, residents should make sure there is no metal attached to the tree and remove any plastic bags from your tree.

Residents of apartments and condominiums in the Bethesda area should check with their property manager or representative for specific Christmas tree recycling instructions.

For Bethesda residents who wish to dispose of their artificial tree and have Montgomery County-provided trash collection service, they should request a bulk trash pickup for their artificial Christmas tree. Residents with privately provided trash service should check with their collection company for instructions.

If an artificial tree is still in usable condition, residents should consider offering it for reuse on their neighborhood email list, Craigslist, local Freecycle group, or similar places.