When, How To Get Rid Of Live Christmas Trees In Falls Church

FALLS CHURCH, VA — Once Christmas comes and goes, residents will need to get rid of their live Christmas trees in the coming days. Christmas tree recycling will be provided in the coming days by the City of Falls Church, Fairfax County and private collectors.

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.

In the City of Falls Church, Christmas trees will be collected by curbside collection services on Wednesdays in January and February, except on observed city holidays. The first two weeks of January are recommended to ensure quick collection. All decorations and plastic bags must be removed from trees, including rope and tinsel.

Residents who live in apartments and condominiums should take their trees for recycling at the Fairfax County I-66 Transfer Station at 4618 W. Ox Road, Fairfax, VA 22030. The facility closes at 2 p.m. on Sunday, Dec. 31 and remains closed on Monday, Jan. 1 for the New Year's holiday.

For Fairfax County collection customers in select parts of the county, live Christmas trees will be collected from Jan. 2 to 15. Lights, decorations and stands must be removed before collection. After Jan. 15, county collection customers can schedule a special brush pickup.

If you don't receive curbside collection services from the City of Falls Church or Fairfax County, check collection policies with your private hauler.