When, How To Dispose Of Your Christmas Trees In Vienna

VIENNA, VA — With Christmas Day come and gone, some people like to remove their Christmas trees right away, while others may want to keep them up for a while. But it really depends on the condition of the tree.

When you got the tree, what condition it was in at that time and how much it was watered factor into when you should take the tree to the curb. Fairfax County Fire and Rescue recommends getting rid of trees immediately or when they get dry. Dried-out trees can catch fire more easily.

Town of Vienna customers can put out Christmas trees any collection day with brush. Trees should not be bagged, and decorations should be removed—including tinsel. For Fairfax County customers, Christmas trees are collected and recycled from Jan. 6-17. Trees less than 8 feet tall set out separately at single family and townhouse communities will be collected during this time. Fire officials recommend keeping dried-out trees away from homes and garages. All decorations must be removed.

Residents receiving private collection services should check with their collector.

After Jan. 17, schedule a brush pickup or recycle your tree at the I-66 Transfer Station or the I-95 Landfill Complex. A $7 fee is charged for recycling your tree at the disposal centers. All ornaments and decorations must be removed before disposal.

Christmas trees are biodegradable, which means recycled or reused for mulch and other purposes. Here are some ways to recycle trees from the National Christmas Tree Association:

• Curbside pick-up for recycling: Many providers will collect trees during regular pickup schedules on the two weeks following Christmas. There are often requirements for size, removing ornaments, flocking, etc.
• Yard waste: Cut the tree to fit loosely into your yard waste container.
• Tree recycling/mulching programs: Tree recycling and mulching programs are a fast-growing trend in communities throughout the nation. Check with your local department of public works for information. They chip and shred the trees, then make the mulch available for use in your garden. Your hauler will notify you of pick-up dates in your area. Be sure to check with your local hauler.
• Nonprofit pickup: Call for an appointment to have a nonprofit organization in your area pickup your tree. Some Boy Scout troops offer a pickup service for a small donation.