How To Recycle Christmas Trees In Arlington After 2025 Holidays

ARLINGTON, VA — As much as families may want to extend the holiday season, live Christmas trees may have a time limit. There are several ways to get rid of your live Christmas tree once the holidays are over.

The National Fire Protection Association recommends taking out Christmas trees when they are dry due to the fire hazard. The organization said trees will dry out over time and be more likely to catch fire quickly than a well-watered tree. Annual home fires caused by Christmas trees averaged 155 between 2018 and 2022, causing an average four resident deaths, seven residents injuries and $15 million in direct property damage.

Although yard waste is collected at the curb weekly in Arlington, the county will conduct a special Christmas tree collection from Monday, Jan. 5 through Friday, Jan. 16.

To have your tree collected, place it at the curb no later than 6 a.m. along with the carts for your regular collection. Remove all decorations, nails, stands. Do not place trees in plastic bags.

After Jan. 16, Christmas trees will be picked up at curbside as part of the county's year-round yard waste collection service. Trees must be bare and ready for composting. Trees that are 8-feet long or more in height will need to be removed through a scheduled brush collection.

Arlington residents who don't have regular curbside collection and drop their trees off at the Solid Waste Bureau’s Earth Products Yard in Shirlington. For safe drop-off, call 703-228-5000 Monday through Friday, 7 a.m. - 7 p.m. to schedule a weekday appointment. You will need proof of residence in Arlington to drop off.