Christmas trees don't have to go into the landfill. Get them recycled into mulch that can be used in your next spring.

The holidays are over and it's time to commence with the clean-up. We can’t help you take down the lights or take all the ornaments off the tree, but we can tell you how you can dispose of your tree. In some areas, it’s as easy as leaving the tree by the curb on the right day.

Here’s a list of how and where you can recycle your tree in the D.C., Maryland, and Virginia areas. Make sure to remove all the ornaments, lights, and metal pieces from the tree.

Maryland

Howard County - The Merry Mulch program aims to keep as many trees as possible out of the landfills. From December 26 to January 15, homes with yard trim collection can leave the tree out on a corresponding day. Don’t have pickup service? There are eight places around the county where you can drop them off. See the Merry Mulch flyer for a list of locations.

Baltimore County - All residents in Baltimore County need to do is leave trees in their regular recycling or trash pick-up spot and trucks will pick them up. Trees will be picked up for two weeks beginning on January 9, 2022. Dates of pickup vary, so just leave your tree out until it's gone.

Prince George’s County - Trees in Prince George’s county will be picked with regular garbage pickup for four weeks beginning on December 27. Just place your cleaned, unbagged tree at the curb by 6 a.m. on your regularly scheduled yard trim day.

Montgomery County- The county also offers curbside pickup for trees for regular disposal customers. Place your tree out by 7 a.m. on recycling day. Residents who live in apartments or condos can take trees to the Shady Grove Processing Facility

Do you live in another county? Check the Maryland state website for information on tree recycling near you.

D.C.

Tree pickup and recycling in the district runs from January 3 through February 28, 2022. If you have regular DPW service, just place your tree at the curb on your regular pickup day and it will be picked up. The trees will be made into mulch that residents can get for free in the spring. If you don’t have service, you can drop your tree at one of these collection points:

  • Benning Road Transfer Station (3200 Benning Rd. NE)
  • Fort Totten Transfer Station (4900 John F. McCormack Dr. NE)
  • Bryant Street Sweep Shop (201 Bryant St. NW)
  • South Capitol Street Graffiti Shop (2700 South Capitol St. SE)

Virginia

Fairfax County - Labor shortages have made it a little easier to dispose of your tree this year in Fairfax county. Instead of specialized collectors, trees will be picked up through regular collection during the first two weeks in January. For information on other tree recycling options, visit the county webpage.

Loudon County - There is no pickup service for tree recycling in Loudon County. You may drop your tree at five different sites around the county at no charge through mid-January. Visit the Loudon County recycling page for site locations and hours.

Alexandria-  Residents with collection through the city can place trees curbside for pickup through January 31, 2022.

Arlington - Trees will be picked up curbside after 6 a.m. from January 3–14, 2022. Trees over eight feet will need to be cut into smaller pieces. Don’t worry if you forget, trees can still be picked up after the 14th on yard collection days.

Will you be recycling your Christmas tree this year? Comment below.