Christmas Tree Recycling

Wondering what to do with Christmas trees and wreaths now that the holidays are over? Below are some local resources for recycling them this year.

Before you donate or compost your tree, consider the health of your tree and the environment. Invasive species can hitch a ride on trees and other materials and become a problem for our region's habitats if left in backyards and compost piles. If you notice any invasive bugs or pests, choose to burn your tree in a safe and appropriate manner, or cut it up, bag it, and place it in your regular garbage. 

Donation
Many nonprofit organizations offer pickup services or drop-off locations for a small fee or donation to their cause. Find a nearby donation service by searching Metro’s Find a Recycler webpage.

The North Clackamas Urban Watershed Council is hosting a tree recycling event to gather trees for fish habitat between Spring Park and Elk Rock Island. To learn more, visit https://ncurbanwatershed.wordpress.com/events.

Yard Debris Cart
If you have yard debris service, cut trees so they will fit into the yard debris cart. The lid must close. If the pieces won’t all fit at once, fill the yard debris cart over more than one week. Trees set out on the curb instead of within the yard debris cart will incur an extra charge. No flocked trees. No tinsel, decorations, stands, or wire frames.

Take to a Yard Debris Processing Facility
Take trees to a facility that processes yard debris. Find locations by searching Metro’s Find a Recycler webpage. No flocked trees. No tinsel, decorations, stands, or wire frames.

Note: The Clackamas County Garbage and Recycling Transfer Station (formally known as the Sandy Transfer Station) only accepts trees as garbage. Customers will be charged the garbage rate. They will accept flocked trees.

Garbage
Includes flocked trees. Place tree in the garbage cart. If the tree will not fit in the cart, place it on the side. There is an extra charge if the tree is not in the cart.

For more resources on tree recycling in the area, visit Metro’s tree recycling webpage.