In many urban and suburban areas, Christmas trees are collected from the curbside during the first 2 weeks in January. Be sure to remove all lights, wire, tinsel, ornaments, nails, stands, other NON-Organic decorative materials and other materials that are not part of the original tree. This includes tree stands also. Flocked trees are usually accepted, but not artificial trees. Large trees (larger than the standard 6 - 7 ft tree) may need to be cut in half to be acceptable by your garbage hauler.
What happens to the trees? In most cases, the trees are chipped and made into a mulch which is usually made available, free to city or county residents. Important: Never burn your Christmas tree in a fireplace or woodstove. Burning the tree may contribute to creosote buildup and could cause a chimney fire.
Here are some tips and Information from the Solid Waste Authority for Palm Beach County:
- Unincorporated Palm Beach County residents can place their live Christmas tree curbside on the regular yard waste collection day. Remember to remove all decorations, lights and tinsel.
- Pre-lit and artificial trees should be discarded as trash.
- Plastic bags and film (like wrap on water bottle cases) can be recycled at most local supermarkets in special bins. Soiled bags and film should go in the trash.
- Foam food trays and egg cartons can be recycled at most local supermarkets in special bins.
- Oversized and large volumes of flattened cardboard boxes may be recycled at any of the Home Chemical and Recycling Centers or at nearly 200 community drop-off locations.
- Holiday ornaments, decorative pieces, clothing and toys that are in good condition can be donated to a local nonprofit, church or shelter to be reused.
- Tree trimmings such as tinsel and garland should be discarded as trash.
- Excess trash can be taken to any of the SWA’s transfer stations or the North County Landfill during regular hours, but there is a nominal charge for disposal.
Much more information is available online at SWA.org. Residents can also contact SWA Customer Service with their questions or comments at 561-697-2700, toll-free at 866-SWA-INFO (866-792-4636) or by email.
Delray Beach is offering its residents the opportunity to do so curbside. They’re asking residents to remove all the decorations, lights and tinsel from the live Christmas tree and place it on the curb on your regularly scheduled yard waste pick-up day.
If you do not have curbside pick-up, you can drop off your tree at one of three locations within the city from December 26 to January 15.
Delray Beach live tree drop-off locations:
Barwick Park, 735 Barwick Road
Orchard View Park, 4060 Germantown Road
Knowles Park, 1001 South Federal Highway
