UPDATE: New York City residents can now recycle their Christmas trees more conveniently than ever. Following the expansion of the city’s curbside composting program, homeowners can place their real Christmas trees and holiday wreaths at the curb on their regular composting and recycling days.
This change, confirmed by the NYC Department of Sanitation, eliminates the need to wait for specific disposal days, making it easier for New Yorkers to contribute to a greener city.
Residents are advised to set their trees and wreaths at the curb alongside other compostable materials, such as food scraps and yard waste. However, it is crucial to remove all decorations, ornaments, and stands before collection. Trees must not be wrapped in plastic bags.
Once collected, the trees are chipped and mixed with leaves to create compost or renewable energy for the city, emphasizing the importance of sustainable disposal methods.
For those with artificial trees, the disposal process is slightly different. Residents should remove the metal base and trunk, disposing of those components with other metal recycling. This ensures a proper and eco-friendly recycling process for all types of holiday trees.
Additionally, the city offers an exciting alternative through the annual Mulchfest event. From December 26, 2025, to January 11, 2026, New Yorkers can bring their trees to designated Mulchfest locations, where they will be transformed into wood chips. These wood chips will nourish other trees and contribute to the city’s greenery.
Participating in Mulchfest on “Chipping Weekend,” which occurs on January 10 and January 11, allows residents to take home a bag of mulch, perfect for backyard use or to create a winter bed for a street tree.
Last year, over 52,500 trees were recycled through this initiative, showcasing the community’s commitment to sustainability. You can find a Mulchfest location near you by visiting the NYC Parks website.
Don’t miss out on the chance to recycle your Christmas tree responsibly and help make New York City greener. Act now, and contribute to a more sustainable future!
