How To Recycle Christmas Trees Around Alexandria After Holidays

ALEXANDRIA, VA — In Alexandria, residents will have to wait until January to get rid of their live Christmas tree after the holidays.

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.

The City of Alexandria's curbside collection service will accept live Christmas trees from Jan. 2 to Jan. 30, 2025 for composting. Ornaments, tinsel, lights, stands and plastic bags should be removed. Residents should place trees outside by 6 a.m. on trash collection day.

For residents seeking to throw out artificial trees, the city recommends donating before disposal. Artificial trees can be placed with regular trash collection next to trash containers.

Residents who receive other curbside recycling service may also contact their recycling service provider or homeowners association for more information on Christmas tree collections.