How To Recycle Christmas Trees Around Vienna After Holidays

VIENNA, VA — In Vienna and Fairfax County, 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.

In the Town of Vienna, live Christmas trees will be collected curbside throughout January. Decorations, tinsel and plastic bags should be removed from trees.

Residents may also self-haul trees to Fairfax County's I-66 Transfer Station on West Ox Road, or the I-95 Landfill complex on Furnace Road in Lorton through Jan. 19. Trees collected at the two facilities will be combined with other brush and turned into mulch available for free to residents.

In Fairfax County, collection services will typically pick up trees during the first two weeks of January. Residents who receive curbside recycling service may also contact their recycling service provider or homeowners association for more information on Christmas tree collections.