When, How To Get Rid Of Live Christmas Trees In Greater Alexandria

MOUNT VERNON, 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 Fairfax County, City of Alexandria 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.

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.

In the City of Alexandria, Christmas trees will be collected by curbside collection services throughout January. Trees should be placed outside by 6 a.m. on your collection day. All decorations must be removed from trees, including stands, tinsel and lights. Trees should not be placed into bags. Recycled trees will be turned into pine mulch.

The city generally provides trash collection services to residential customers in single-family homes, duplexes, some townhouses with four or fewer units, and some apartment communities and condominium complexes.

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