How To Recycle Your Christmas Tree In NYC

CENTRAL PARK, NY — Mulchfest, New York City's annual Christmas tree recycling program, is back for another year of sustainable fun from Dec. 26 to Jan. 12.

While there are many seasonal traditions in New York City, there is nothing quite like closing out the holidays by tossing your Christmas tree into a large-scale wood chipper and watching it spit out pine-smelling shards.

This year’s event features 75 drop-off sites, including Central Park, Carl Schurz Park, Riverside Park, Marcus Garvey Park, and more, the NYC Parks Department said.

And, between Jan. 11 and Jan. 12, participants can watch their very own trees be transformed into fresh mulch and even take some home for their gardens.

Last year, more than 46,000 trees were recycled into fresh mulch, which powered public parks and street tree beds, city officials said.

"Mulchfest is as much about nourishing our city's living infrastructure as it is about building community, by bringing neighbors together to practice sustainability and environmental responsibility," said NYC Parks Commissioner Sue Donoghue.

"Last year, New Yorkers truly outdid themselves, recycling over 46,000 trees, and we're hoping to better that total for 2025.”

For information on where and when to drop off your tree, click here.