WASHINGTON — Maybe you’ve had that Christmas tree up since early December, or you just put it up on Christmas Eve. Before too long, the time will come to say goodbye to your fading evergreen.
Public works and environmental departments in communities across the region are ready to convert that tree into mulch. In some cases, they will carry out curbside collections. In other jurisdictions, it’s up to homeowners to drop off their old trees.
Montgomery County
In Montgomery County, Christmas trees are picked up for collection throughout the year. Just put the tree out for curbside collection on your regularly scheduled recycling day. Trees should be free of all decorations, including tinsel and garland, and metal or plastic bags should not be attached.
Live Christmas trees, with root ball attached, are not collected as yard trim.
Residents of apartments and condominiums should check with their property managers regarding tree collection. For homeowners with Montgomery County-provided trash service, artificial Christmas trees can be disposed of by requesting bulk trash pickup.
Prince George’s County
In Prince George’s County, the Department of the Environment offers free Christmas tree recycling with curbside collection now through Feb. 1. Just make sure that all the decorations — from lights to ornaments to tinsel — are off the tree. There are also two areas where undecorated trees can be dropped off: at the Prince George’s County Yard Waste Composting Facility in Upper Marlboro, or at the Brown Station Road Facility also in Upper Marlboro.
If you need more information on recycling in general in Prince George’s County, check out the website here: https://princegeorges-csrprodcwi.motorolasolutions.com/Home.mvc/Index
Fairfax County
The Fairfax County website explains that Christmas trees less than 8 feet tall can be left out for curbside collection. The site advises calling your collector for handling trees over 8 feet tall. Trees can also be dropped off at the I-66 Transfer Station or the I-95 Landfill Complex.
Arlington County
In Arlington, homeowners who have curbside collection are instructed to put their trees out no later than 6 a.m. on the regular trash collection day. Curbside collection will start Jan. 2 through Jan. 13. Homeowner who want to drop their tree off at the Solid Waste Bureau will need to make an appointment and be prepared to show an ID that proves Arlington County residency.
Loudoun County
In Loudoun County, there are several collection points where trees will be picked up for processing into mulch that will be offered for free to Loudoun County residents. If you live in an HOA or an incorporated town, check to see how and when curbside collection will be done.
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