How To Recycle A Christmas Tree In Montgomery County

BETHESDA, MD — Oh, Christmas tree, oh, Christmas tree — how do we safely dispose of thee?

Luckily, it's a simple process.

Montgomery County accepts Christmas trees year-round in its curbside yard trim collection for single-family homes and townhomes. Set your Christmas tree at the curb by 7 a.m. on your recycling collection day.

If you live in an apartment or a condominium, check with your property manager for specific recycling instructions.

Christmas trees are given a new life after being composted or chipped for mulch, so remove the stand, plastic bags, and all decorations, including lights, ornaments, tinsel, and garland. Also check that there is no metal attached to the tree.

Artificial trees and live Christmas trees with root balls will not be collected as yard trim.

Residents can also use the tree's branches and needles as a temporary winter mulch. Just place them under trees and shrubs in your backyard.

People should never put tree branches or needles in a wood-burning store or fireplace. They are a fire hazard.

SEE ALSO: Christmas Tree Safety Tips: How To Prevent Devastating Fires

Wreaths and roping are normally bound together with wire. And the wire may damage shredding equipment. If you can separate the greens from the wire, bag or bundle them as yard trim, and put them outside for collection on your recycling day. Alternatively, you can dispose of your wreaths and roping as trash.

For more information about Christmas tree recycling, click here.