Mulchfest 2023: Where To Recycle Harlem Christmas Trees

HARLEM, NY - Instead of contributing to the piles of post-holiday trash lining New York City curbs, Harlem residents have the chance to give their Christmas trees a new life this season.

Mulchfest is back for 2023, and NYC Parks is encouraging city residents to stop by local parks with their holiday trees to transform them into environmentally-friendly wood chips that will help nourish the city’s existing plant life.

Residents can drop off trees at any Mulchfest location (see locations below) during park hours between Dec. 26 and Jan. 7 or join NYC Parks at Chipping Weekend on Jan. 6 and 7 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. and take home a free bag of mulch at select chipping locations. Unfortunately, chipping locations are unavailable in Harlem, and you'll have to travel to Riverside Park or Inwood Hill Park for free mulch.

All lights, ornaments and netting must be removed before bringing a tree to a Mulchfest site.

Last year, over 58,300 trees were recycled. Here’s a list of area Mulchfest locations near Harlem:

• Charles Colonel Young Playground (drop-off only)
• St. Nicholas Park (drop-off only)
• Morningside Park (drop-off only)
• Marcus Garvey Park (drop-off only)
• Central Park at West 106th Street

For more information, visit NYC Parks website.