How to Recycle Your Christmas Tree in Fairfax County

FAIRFAX COUNTY, VA -- Thinking about when you might take down your Christmas tree? You're not alone. The National Christmas Tree Association said there were between 25 to 30 million real Christmas trees sold this year. If you receive curbside pickup of trash and recycling in Fairfax County, you can recycle your live Christmas tree (less than 8 feet) on your normal collection date, according to the county. The cost is included as part of your regular, paid collection service. For larger trees, contact your collector for recycling instructions. Christmas trees may also be recycled during the first two weeks in January at either the I-66 Transfer Station or the I-95 Landfill Complex. There is a small processing fee of $1 per tree. The county asks that you remove tree stands, ornaments, tinsel, lights and tree toppers before recycling.

The National Christmas Tree Association also offers these tips if you want to recycle your tree. Real Christmas Trees are biodegradable, which means they can be easily reused or recycled for mulch and other purposes. Here are some recycling options and tips on what to do with your tree after the holidays. Every community is different, but in general, you have these options, according to the association:

Removing Your Tree
The best way to avoid a mess removing your tree is to place a plastic tree bag (available at hardware stores) underneath the stand when you set the tree up. You can hide it with a tree skirt. Then, when the holidays are done, pull the bag up around the tree, stand and all, and carry it outside. Obviously, you will want to remove the stand before recycling the tree. If some needles do scatter inside, it is better to sweep them up; needles can clog vacuum cleaners. Here are more tips:

• Curbside pick-up for recycling: Many providers will collect trees during regular pickup schedules on the two weeks following Christmas. There are often requirements for size, removing ornaments, flocking, etc.
• Take your tree to a drop-off recycling center: Most counties have free drop-off locations. Usually, you may take up to two trees to a drop-off location at no charge.
• Yard waste: Cut the tree to fit loosely into your yard waste container.
• Tree recycling/mulching programs: Tree recycling and mulching programs are a fast-growing trend in communities throughout the nation. Check with your local department of public works for information. They chip and shred the trees, then make the mulch available for use in your garden. Your hauler will notify you of pick-up dates in your area. Be sure to check with your local hauler.
• Nonprofit pickup: Call for an appointment to have a nonprofit organization in your area pickup your tree. Some Boy Scout troops offer a pickup service for a small donation (often $5).
• Find more tips about repurposing your tree on the association Web site here.

Photo Credit: Lotus Head, via Wikimedia Commons