As the holiday season comes to a close and a new year begins, many are left wondering what to do with their real Christmas trees. Each year, approximately 25 to 30 million real Christmas trees are sold, and fortunately, these trees are a renewable resource that can be recycled. The National Christmas Tree Association emphasizes that Christmas trees can be recycled into useful materials, and there are over 4,000 local programs across the U.S. dedicated to tree recycling.

Recycling your Christmas tree, also known as "treecycling," is one of the best ways to dispose of it sustainably. While some areas offer curbside pickup for Christmas tree recycling, this service is typically available only for a limited time after the holidays. If your area doesn’t offer this service, you can look up local drop-off locations, often organized by your city's environmental management office. These programs may run through January, giving you some time before you need to act. Once collected, the trees are usually ground into mulch or used for composting, and some trees even help create fish and animal habitats.

Before recycling, be sure to remove all decorations, lights, and tinsel from the tree. Any artificial snow or spray-on materials that cannot be easily removed can prevent the tree from being recycled. If your tree is no longer suitable for recycling, you may also consider using it in your home’s fireplace. However, it's important to note that burning a Christmas tree is not recommended due to its pine needles, sap, and moisture levels, which can cause intense, unpredictable fires that may damage your chimney system.

If you bought a tree with roots, you have the option of replanting it in your backyard or donating it to a community outdoor space.  If recycling or replanting isn’t an option, contact your local waste management office to find out if they accept Christmas trees as yard waste, or explore creative at-home recycling ideas like making scented bundles from pine needles. These options help ensure your tree is disposed of responsibly and sustainably!