How To Recycle Christmas Trees In Prince William County After 2025 Holidays

WOODBRIDGE, 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.

Prince William County residents with curbside yard waste service are encouraged to put their Christmas trees out during the first two weeks of January. Trees and other greenery are turned into compost and mulch at the Prince William Compost Facility. Ornaments, lights, tinsel, wire, stands and tree bags must be removed.

Residents may also take their Christmas trees for recycling at:

• Prince William County Landfill, 14811 Dumfries Road, Manassas.
• Prince William County Compost Facility, 13000 Hansen Farm Road, Manassas.

Hours as of Jan. 3, 2026 will be 7 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday to Wednesday and Friday to Sunday and 7 a.m. to 6 p.m. Thursday.

The Northern Virginia Electric Cooperative will also accept Christmas tree drop-offs through Jan. 12, 2026 at 5399 Wellington Branch Road in Gainesville. Residents should look for the drop-off area with safety cones to the right of the building. NOVEC will deliver the wood chip mulch to customers who request it for free,

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