The value of recycling Christmas trees is that they are considered organic waste, which means they can be composted, mulched or even converted into fuel. When mulched, they can be used in landscaping and gardening, or chipped and used for playground material, hiking trails, paths, and walkways. Recycled trees can also be used for beachfront erosion prevention, lake and river shoreline stabilization, and wetland reconstruction. Cool, huh? But the tree is only organic if it’s stripped down to its original form, so please be sure to remove all the lights, ornaments, tinsel, any nails, and the stand.
Free Tree Drop-off Events from Sacramento County Waste Management & Recycling
Limit 5 trees per vehicle*
Please remove ornaments, tinsel, lights, tree stand, nails
Flocked trees will be accepted**
*Loads in excess of 5 trees will only be accepted at: Elder Creek Recovery & Transfer Station, Kiefer Landfill, and the North Area Recovery Station
**Flocked trees are the ones spray painted white for that snow effect. Flocked trees cannot be made into compost due to their chemical content. However, they will be accepted for other uses.
In Sacramento:
Elder Creek Recovery & Transfer Station
8642 Elder Creek Road (Jackson Hwy, south on Florin Perkins Road, left on Elder Creek Road)
8 am - 3 pm, Dec. 26 and Jan. 2
Also accepting trees Dec. 28 - Jan 31, Monday - Friday, 6 am--5 pm; Saturday 6 am - 3 pm; Closed Sundays
Kiefer Landfill
12701 Kiefer Blvd (Jackson Hwy, north on Grant Line Road, right on Kiefer Blvd)
8:30 am - 4 pm, Dec. 26 and Jan. 2
North Area Recovery Station
4450 Roseville Road (Hwy 80, north on Watt Ave, left on Roseville Road, inside Recovery Station)
8 am - 4 pm, Dec. 26 and Jan. 2
SMUD Corporation Yard
6100 Folsom Blvd.
8 am - 3:30 pm, Jan. 2 only
Sacramento Recycling and Transfer Station
8491 Fruitridge Road (Jackson Hwy., south Florin Perkins Road, right on Fruitridge Road)
8 am - 5 pm, Dec. 26 and Jan. 2
Also accepting trees Dec. 28 - Jan. 31, Monday - Saturday, 8 am - 5 pm; Closed Sundays
In Folsom:
Dan Russell Rodeo Arena
Folsom City Park (corner of Natoma and Stafford Streets)
10 am - 4 pm, Jan. 2 and Jan. 9
Click on Flyer below to see full view:
For holiday recycling programs in other counties, visit www.holidayrecycling.com
The following is information from SacramentoPress.com about curbside tree recycling:
Preparing Your Holiday Tree for Recycling
Cut trees longer than 6 feet into 3-foot or shorter pieces.
Remove trees from stands or plastic bags.
Remove ornaments, lights, nails, tinsel and metal rod supports from trees.
Artificial trees will not be accepted.
Containerized Yard Waste Customers
Option 1: After cutting your tree into 3-foot or shorter pieces, place your holiday tree in your yard waste container. Make sure the trimmed pieces fit completely into the container with the lid closed
Option 2: Place your tree out for loose-in-the-street collection by 6:00am on your regular collection day the week of January 11, 2010.
Option 3: Take your holiday tree, free of charge, to one of the drop off events.
Loose-in-the-Street Customers (Does not apply to Containerized Customers)
Place your tree out for loose-in-the-street collection by 6:00am on your regular collection day.
Private Streets and Gated Communities
Residents who do not participate in Lawn and Garden Service are prohibited from placing their holiday tree on any City street. Improper disposal of holiday trees on City streets is considered illegal dumping (a misdemeanor) and is punishable with a fine and jail time.
Option 1: Work with your homeowners association to rent a “debris box” by calling (916) 808-4939. Depending on availability, a debris box may be delivered within two business days (advanced reservations are welcome.).
The debris boxes we have available for rental are:
30 yard: $368.01/week(18’L x 8’W x 6’H)
40 yard: $471.31/week(24’L x 8’W x 6’H)
The debris box will remain on-site for a period of one week. Delivery and collection are included in the cost. It’s that simple!
Option 2: Take your holiday tree, free of charge, to one of the drop off events.
For more information about recycling items from the holiday season, please visit www.cityofsacramento.org.
