Christmas Trees (Artificial)

Alternative ways to recycle
Bulky Item Pick-Up / Landfill Drop-off

Artificial or Flocked trees cannot be composted and cannot be collected in your organics cart. To dispose of your Artificial or Flocked tree, here are your available options:


In the Republic Services Service Area: 

  1. Curbside Collection – Artificial or Flocked trees, cut up and fit into your landfill waste cart on any of your reqular waste collection days.
  2. On-Call Bulky Pick Up – Call Republic Services to use your annual Bulky Collection for your tree, for free.
  3. Whole Tree Curbside Collection for a Fee – Call Republic Services to request a whole tree pick up.
  4. Self-Haul your tree to Golden Bear Transfer Station at 1 Parr Blvd., Richmond, CA 94801, for a dispoal fee.
  5. Donate to Local Organizations

 

RESOURCES
To access the informational flyer from Republic Services (For the Cities of San Pablo, Hercules, Pinole, El Sobrante, and Unincorporated West Contract Costa County, including Crockett, Tormey-Port Costa, and Rodeo) – CLICK HERE

To access the informational flyer from Republic Services (for the City of Richmond) – CLICK HERE

 

Questions? Contact Republic Services:

(510) 262-7100

www.richmondsanitaryservice.com

 

In the El Cerrito Service Area:

Non-compostable artificial or flocked trees can be picked up by contacting East Bay Sanitary at 510-237-4321, through the following options:

  1. Curbside Collection (for a fee)
  2. On-Call Bulky Pick Up (for a fee)

Or, here is an alternative option:

  1. Donate to Local Organizations

 

Alternative Ways to Recycle

Polygroup's Christmas Recycling Program

Recycle with Polygroup’s Christmas Recycling Program. Ship them your artificial Christmas trees, old Christmas lights and extension cords, and they will upcycle them into products like bubble wrap and plastic bags.

Ways to Reduce

Christmas Potted Plant

Decorate a Potted Tree Instead

It may be unconventional, but skipping the traditional Christmas tree (real or fake) altogether and decorating a potted tree you’ve bought or have in your home is a truly green way to have a tree for the holidays.

Ways to Reuse

Use for Years

Make the most of your artificial Christmas tree (and help the environment) by reusing the tree as many times as possible. As long as you take good care of it, it could be with you for years.

Donate or Sell Your Tree

If your artificial tree is still in good shape, consider donating it to a thrift store rather than throwing it out. You could also consider selling it online. November is the best time, but eBay has hundreds of listings year-round.

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Reuse for Smaller Decorations

If your artificial tree is in rough shape after many years, remove and save the limbs that are still in good condition. They can be used to create smaller holiday decorations such as wreaths.

Did You Know?

Fake Trees: Greener Than Real Trees?

There’s no clear winner in the debate about whether real or fake trees are the more environmentally friendly choice. Some people say it’s fake trees because using them saves cutting down one tree for every year you use them. But others say real trees are best because they can be turned back into mulch, instead of filling up landfills with plastic. The only clear green choice is to skip fake or real trees and get a living, potted tree instead.

Inspired by the Toilet Brush

The first artificial Christmas tree made from brush bristles was manufactured in 1930 by the Addis Brush Company, using the same machinery that it used to make toilet bowl brushes, the only difference being they dyed the bristles green.