How To Recycle Christmas Trees In McLean After 2025 Holidays

MCLEAN, 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.

For Fairfax County collection customers, live Christmas trees will be picked up for recycling from Jan. 5 to 16, 2026. After that, customers will have to schedule a brush special pickup.

Fairfax County residents may also recycle holiday trees at the I-66 Transfer Station in Fairfax or I-95 Landfill Complex in Lorton for a fee. Ornaments, decorations, tinsel and stands must be removed.

Residents with private curbside recycling services should seek more information about Christmas tree pickup from their homeowner's association or private waste collector.