Month: December 2024

The 2024/2025 Christmas Tree Recycling Guide in San Diego County

Christmas Tree Recycling Guide: How and Where to Recycle Real Christmas Trees in San Diego County

Among other benefits over fake trees, real Christmas trees can be composted or turned into mulch and returned to the earth. Trees sprayed with fake snow (flocked) trees cannot be composted.

SAN DIEGO COUNTY (Dec. 03, 2024) – San Diego residents can help close the loop on holiday waste by transforming their old Christmas trees into nutrient rich compost or mulch. When Christmas trees are recycled, they embark on a new journey that benefits the environment and the community. Through processes like mulching or composting, these trees are broken down into valuable organic material that enriches soil with essential nutrients. This process not only reduces the amount of waste sent to landfills but also plays a crucial role in lowering greenhouse gas emissions, as decomposing organic waste in landfills produces methane, a potent contributor to climate change.

For this year’s Christmas tree collection, the County of San Diego and I Love A Clean San Diego make it easy for residents to recycle their real Christmas trees. The countywide Christmas Tree Recycling Guide at WasteFreeSD.org, has a 2024/2025 listing for curbside and drop-off locations in the region.

According to the EPA, organic materials like Christmas trees, food, and yard waste are the number one material sent to landfills, composing two-thirds of the solid waste stream. By giving Christmas trees a second life through recycling, San Diego residents can contribute to a sustainable celebration of the holidays.

Follow some simple tips to ensure they can be recycled.

Christmas Tree Recycling Tips

Do not flock or buy flocked trees. Fake snow (flock) contains chemicals that interfere with the composting process
If you choose to use tinsel it must be completely removed (and placed in the trash) from your tree before it can be recycled. Best option, don’t buy tinsel. It is a wasteful single-use plastic.
Make sure to remove all ornaments, garland, lights, nails, tree bags, and tree stands (metal or plastic) before recycling.
For areas where curbside tree recycling is available, trees taller than four feet should be cut in half. It is recommended that pieces be under four feet.
Reuse or donate artificial trees that are in good condition. Purchasing new plastic trees create more waste and greenhouse gasses.
Don’t let real trees sit around too long after the holidays. They can dry out and become fire hazards.
Organic wreaths and similar decorations can be recycled with trees.

About I Love A Clean San Diego

Founded in 1954, I Love A Clean San Diego is an environmental nonprofit supporting residents and businesses of San Diego County through youth and adult education, and local action through impactful volunteer events and workshops. As San Diego’s most influential advocate for sustainability, I Love A Clean San Diego’s programs are an environmental catalyst, awakening passion and inspiring action to empower everyone to be leaders in conservation and waste-free living. Our community is passion in action to maintain and improve the health of the home we love. For more information, to volunteer or donate, visit CleanSD.org or call (619) 291-0103. Connect with us on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and LinkedIn.

Christmas Tree Recycling Guide 2024/2025 – CURBSIDE PICKUP

The holiday season is here! Did you know Christmas trees can take hundreds of years to decompose in a landfill due to lack of oxygen to break it down? Help us keep San Diego’s landfills clear by turning yours into mulch and compost!

Many communities in San Diego can get their Christmas trees picked up curbside! Please look for the dates drop off or pick up services are offered in your neighborhood.

Drop-off locations by community can be found here.

Still not sure where to take your Christmas tree for recycling after reviewing this list? Visit WasteFreeSD.org for more options or call I Love a Clean San Diego’s hotline for help from a live attendant Monday – Friday 8:00 AM – 1:00 PM.

Incorporated County Residents, please call 1-800-237-BLUE

Unincorporated County Residents, please call 1-877-R-1-EARTH

Curbside Hauling Instructions by City

NORTH COUNTY SAN DIEGO

Community	Collection Days	Instructions	Waste Hauler
Carlsbad	December 26, 2024 – January 14, 2025	Republic services collects trees curbside on the same day as your regular compost collection day. Please note: the trees are collected by a separate truck, not the regular compost truck that services your green composting cart. Prepare your tree: 1. Remove stands, ornaments, lights and tinsel 2. Trees more than 6 feet in length must be cut in half 3. Trees with flocking or fire retardants are not accepted	Republic Services (760) 332-6464
Del Mar	Year-round	Remove all decorations, including tinsel, lights, ornaments and tree stands. Trees taller than 4 feet must be cut in half and placed next to your green waste cart. When possible, residents are asked to cut down the tree so that it fits inside the green waste cart with the lid closed for collection. Flocked and artificial trees cannot be recycled and must be disposed of through regular trash service. These trees must fit into the trash cart with the lid closed for collection.	EDCO Disposal (619) 287-7555
Escondido	Year-round	No tinsel or ornaments No nails No tree stands Cut tree to fit inside green organics cart on your regular trash collection date. Flocked trees are not accepted	Escondido Disposal (760) 745-3203
Encinitas	Year-round	Remove all lights, ornaments, tinsel and the tree stand Cut tree in 4-foot lengths and trim off branches Place trimmed tree inside your green organics cart with the lid closed No flocked trees in green organics cart, flocked and artificial trees should go into landfill bin	EDCO
Oceanside	For Oceanside residents, holiday trees are collected curbside for three weeks after Christmas, until January 12 on customer’s scheduled collection day.	All decorations should be removed, including tree stands and lights Trees should be cut in half and placed in the green organics cart with lid closed, or can be set curbside next to the green waste cart. For trees placed curbside, a separate vehicle from the green waste cart collection truck will be picking up the trees on curbside services collection day. Artificial and flocked trees are not recyclable, and must be placed in landfill cart with lid closed or may be collected curbside next to the landfill cart. If artificial trees have lights that are not removable, they must be recycled with E-waste.	Waste Management
Solana Beach	Year-round	Cut tree in pieces 4-ft or smaller and put in green organics cart	EDCO (858) 350-8544
Poway	Year-round	Remove all lights, ornaments, tinsel and the tree stand Trees over four feet should be cut in half Place trimmed tree inside your green organics cart with the lid closed No flocked trees are accepted Artificial trees are not recyclable and must be placed in trash	EDCO
Ramona	Year-round	Cut tree in 4-foot lengths and trim off branches. Place tree inside green organics cart for collection on your service day. No flocked trees.	Ramona Disposal
San Marcos	Year-round	Remove all lights, ornaments, tinsel and the tree stand Cut tree in 4-foot lengths and trim off branches Place trimmed tree inside your green organics cart with the lid closed Artificial and flocked trees are not recyclable and must be placed in trash	EDCO (760) 744-2700
Vista	Year-round	Remove all lights, ornaments, tinsel and the tree stand Trees over four feet should be cut in half Place trimmed tree inside your green organics cart with the lid closed Artificial and flocked trees are not recyclable and must be placed in trash	EDCO (760) 727-1600
Unincorporated San Diego County Including: 4S Ranch, Bonsall, Borrego Springs, Fallbrook, Julian, Mount Laguna, Pala, Palomar Mountain, Pauma Valley, Ranchita, Santa Ysabel, Valley Center, and Warner Springs. If you live in an unincorporated unincorporated regions of the county your curbside guidance varies depending on your contracted hauler. Please contact one of the following haulers for additional guidance.	Year-round	Cut tree in 4-foot lengths and trim off branches. Remove all lights, ornaments, tinsel and the tree stand. Place tree inside green organics cart for collection on your service day. No flocked trees.	Ramona Disposal
Unincorporated San Diego County Including: 4S Ranch, Bonsall, Borrego Springs, Fallbrook, Julian, Mount Laguna, Pala, Palomar Mountain, Pauma Valley, Ranchita, Santa Ysabel, Valley Center, and Warner Springs. If you live in an unincorporated unincorporated regions of the county your curbside guidance varies depending on your contracted hauler. Please contact one of the following haulers for additional guidance.	Year-round	Remove all ornaments, tinsel, garland, and plastic or metal stands. Cut/section the tree in pieces 4ft or shorter. Place inside the correct container (flocked or plastic trees = trash, natural tree = green organics container*). Drivers will not service trees left outside the container. All tree portions must be INSIDE the correct container. If you do not have a green container on-site, please place the natural tree in a separate location near the trash container, following the preparation guidelines mentioned previously.	EDCO (760) 844-2700 or Fallbrook Refuse
Unincorporated San Diego County Including: 4S Ranch, Bonsall, Borrego Springs, Fallbrook, Julian, Mount Laguna, Pala, Palomar Mountain, Pauma Valley, Ranchita, Santa Ysabel, Valley Center, and Warner Springs. If you live in an unincorporated unincorporated regions of the county your curbside guidance varies depending on your contracted hauler. Please contact one of the following haulers for additional guidance.	If you currently have green waste services, Waste Management will collect and recycle Christmas trees for the first two weeks following Christmas from December 26 to January 9 on your scheduled collection day. If you do not have green waste services, please contact Customer Service at (619) 596-5100 to schedule the pick-up of your Christmas tree for a nominal fee.	Trees taller than six feet must be cut in half. Please remove all decoration including tinsel, lights, ornaments and tree stands and place in WM organics cart. Flocked trees cannot be recycled, so please cut them to fit into your trash cart and they will be collected by your trash collector.	Waste Management

CENTRAL SAN DIEGO

Community	Collection Dates	Instructions	Waste Hauler
Coronado	Year-round	Remove all lights, ornaments, tinsel and the tree stand Cut tree in 4-foot lengths and trim off branches Place trimmed tree inside your green organics cart with the lid closed	EDCO
City of San Diego	Residents can use their City-provided curbside green bin to recycle their Christmas trees. Trees should be cut to fit into their green bin for pickup on collection day.	Both green and flocked trees (fake snow) are accepted. Trees over 4-ft in length should be cut in half. For Greenery, curbside, and drop-off sites, all tree stands, bags, netting, lights, ornaments, tinsel, and other tree decorations must be removed. No artificial trees. Please do not illegally dump any other items at the drop-off locations.	Environmental Service Department (858) 694-7000

EAST COUNTY SAN DIEGO

Community	Collection Days	Instructions	Waste Hauler
El Cajon	Year-round	Remove all lights, ornaments, tinsel, and the tree stand. Cut tree in 4-foot lengths and trim off branches, then place in green organics cart with the lid closed. No flocked trees	EDCO (760) 744-5615
La Mesa	Year-round	Remove all lights, ornaments, tinsel and the tree stand Cut tree in 4-foot lengths and trim off branches Place trimmed tree inside your green waste cart with the lid closed No flocked trees in green organics cart	EDCO
Lemon Grove	Year-round	Remove all lights, ornaments, tinsel and the tree stand Cut tree in 4-foot lengths and trim off branches Place trimmed tree inside your green organics cart with the lid closed	EDCO
Santee	December 26th, 2024 – January 9th, 2025 during regularly scheduled collection day	Residents can recycle their Christmas trees by placing the trees in their yard waste bins on their regular pick-up day. Trees must be cut into maximum 4-ft sections and must fit into the green yard waste container. Ornaments, tinsel and tree stands must be removed before being recycled. Flocked trees cannot be recycled, but will be collected if cut into 4-ft sections and placed into the regular trash bin.	Waste Management
Unincorporated San Diego County Including: Alpine, Boulevard, Campo, Crest, Dehesa, Descanso, Dulzura, Guatay, Jacumba, Jamul, Lakeside, Pine Valley,Potrero, Rancho San Diego, Spring Valley If you live in an unincorporated unincorporated regions of the county your curbside guidance varies depending on your contracted hauler. Please contact one of the following haulers for additional guidance.	If you currently have green waste services, Waste Management will collect and recycle Christmas trees for the first two weeks following Christmas from December 26 to January 9 on your scheduled collection day. If you do not have green waste services, please contact Customer Service at (619) 596-5100 to schedule the pick-up of your Christmas tree for a nominal fee.	Trees taller than six feet must be cut in half. Please remove all decoration including tinsel, lights, ornaments and tree stands and place in WM Organics cart. Flocked trees cannot be recycled, so please cut them to fit into your trash cart and they will be collected by your trash collector.	Waste Management
Unincorporated San Diego County Including: Alpine, Boulevard, Campo, Crest, Dehesa, Descanso, Dulzura, Guatay, Jacumba, Jamul, Lakeside, Pine Valley,Potrero, Rancho San Diego, Spring Valley If you live in an unincorporated unincorporated regions of the county your curbside guidance varies depending on your contracted hauler. Please contact one of the following haulers for additional guidance.	Year-round	Remove all ornaments, tinsel, garland, and plastic or metal stands. Cut/section the tree in pieces 4ft or shorter. Place inside the correct container (flocked or plastic trees = trash, natural tree = green organics container). Drivers will not service trees left outside the container. All tree portions must be INSIDE the correct container. For more information, all customers can contact Republic Services Customer Service at 619-421-9400	Republic Services (619) 421-9400
Unincorporated San Diego County Including: Alpine, Boulevard, Campo, Crest, Dehesa, Descanso, Dulzura, Guatay, Jacumba, Jamul, Lakeside, Pine Valley,Potrero, Rancho San Diego, Spring Valley If you live in an unincorporated unincorporated regions of the county your curbside guidance varies depending on your contracted hauler. Please contact one of the following haulers for additional guidance.	Year-round	Remove all lights, ornaments, tinsel and the tree stand Cut tree in 4-foot lengths and trim off branches Place trimmed tree inside your green organics cart with the lid closed	EDCO

SOUTH BAY SAN DIEGO

Community

Collection Days

Instructions

Waste Hauler

Chula Vista

Year-round

Remove all ornaments, tinsel, garland, and plastic or metal stands. Cut/section the tree in pieces 4ft or shorter.
Place inside the correct container (flocked or plastic trees = trash, natural tree = green organics container).
Drivers will not service trees left outside the container. All tree portions must be INSIDE the correct container.
For more information, all customers can contact Republic Services Customer Service at 619-421-9400

Republic Services

Imperial Beach

Year-round

Remove all lights, ornaments, tinsel and the tree stand
Cut tree in 4-foot lengths and trim off branches
Place trimmed tree inside your green organics cart with the lid closed

EDCO

National City

Year-round

Remove all lights, ornaments, tinsel and the tree stand
Cut tree in 4-foot lengths and trim off branches
Place trimmed tree inside your green organics cart with the lid closed

EDCO

Unincorporated San Diego County

(including Bonita)

If you currently have green waste services, Waste Management will collect and recycle Christmas trees for the first two weeks following Christmas from December 26 to January 9 on your scheduled collection day.

If you do not have green waste services, please contact Customer Service at (619) 596-5100 to schedule the pick-up of your Christmas tree for a nominal fee.

Trees taller than six feet must be cut in half.
Please remove all decoration including tinsel, lights, ornaments and tree stands and place in WM organics carts.
Flocked trees cannot be recycled, so please cut them to fit into your trash cart and they will be collected by your trash collector.

Waste Management

Unincorporated San Diego County

(including Bonita)

Year-round

Remove all ornaments, tinsel, garland, and plastic or metal stands. Cut/section the tree in pieces 4ft or shorter. Place inside the correct container (flocked or plastic trees = trash, natural tree = green organics container*).
Drivers will not service trees left outside the container. All tree portions must be INSIDE the correct container. *If you do not have a green container on-site, please place the natural tree in a separate location near the trash container, following the preparation guidelines mentioned previously.
For more information, all customers can contact Republic Services Customer Service at 619-421-9400.

Republic Services

Unincorporated San Diego County

(including Bonita)

Year-round

Remove all lights, ornaments, tinsel and
the tree stand
Cut tree in 4-foot lengths and trim off branches
Place trimmed tree inside your green organics cart with the lid closed

EDCO

Contact your waste hauler to confirm collection dates and instructions.

Christmas Tree Recycling Guide 2024/2025- DROP OFF LOCATIONS

The holiday season is here! Dropping off your Christmas tree at a collection site is a great way to help divert your Christmas tree from the landfill following the holiday festivities.

Many communities in San Diego County have options for curbside Christmas tree recycling.

Still not sure where to take your Christmas tree for recycling after reviewing this list? Visit WasteFreeSD.org for more options, or call I Love a Clean San Diego’s hotline for help from a live attendant Monday – Friday 8:00 AM – 1:00 PM.

Incorporated County Residents, please call 1-800-237-BLUE

Unincorporated County Residents, please call 1-877-R-1-EARTH

Drop Off Locations by City

COUNTYWIDE

Drop-off locations are for Christmas Trees ONLY. Christmas trees do not need to be cut down for recycling at drop-off locations.

Community	Dates Available	Drop Off Address
Bonsall	December 6th, 2024 – January 6th, 2025	River Village Northwest parking lot 5256 Mission Road Bonsall, CA 92003
Carlsbad	Dec 26th, 2024 – Jan 14th, 2025	Calaveras Park 2997 Glasgow Dr Carlsbad, CA 92010 Poinsettia Park 6600 Hidden Valley Rd Carlsbad, CA 92011 Stagecoach Park 3420 Camino del los Coches Carlsbad, CA 92009 City of Carlsbad Fire Station I 1275 Carlsbad Village Dr. Carlsbad, CA 92008 Palomar Transfer Station 5960 El Camino Real Carlsbad, CA 92008
Coronado	December 26, 2024 – January 14, 2025	Glorietta Bay Park – boat ramp parking lot 1975 Strand Way Coronado, CA 92118 Cays Park- Parking lot off across from Fire Station 99 Grand Caribe Isle Coronado, CA 92118 Public Works Yard Second St. and A Ave.
Del Mar	Dec 26th, 2024 – Jan 14th, 2025	Del Mar Public Works 2240 Jimmy Durante Boulevard Del Mar, CA 92014
El Cajon	Dec 26th, 2024 – Jan 13th, 2025	Wells Park 1153 E Madison Ave. El Cajon, CA 92021 Public Works Operations Yard 1050 Vernon Way El Cajon, CA 92020 Drop-off locations are for Christmas Trees ONLY. Christmas trees do not need to be cut down for recycling at drop-off locations.
Escondido	Dec 26th, 2024 – Jan 6th, 2025	Kit Carson Park– south entrance, first parking lot on the right, across front the adult softball complex 3333 Bear Valley Parkway Escondido, CA 92025 Jesmond Dene Park– parking lot next to the ball fields 2401 N Broadway Escondido, CA 92026
Imperial Beach	December 26th, 2024 -January 27th 2025	Imperial Beach Public Works 495 10th St. Imperial Beach, CA 91932Boys and Girls Club 847 Encina Ave Imperial Beach, CA 91932 Drop-off locations are for Christmas Trees ONLY. Christmas trees do not need to be cut down for recycling at drop-off locations.
La Mesa	December 26 2024 – January 12 2025	EDCO Station 8184 Commercial Street La Mesa, CA 91942 Hours: Mon -Fri 5:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m., Sat 7:00 a.m. – 4:30 p.m., Sun 8:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.
Lemon Grove	December 26th, 2024 -January 12th, 2025	Treganza Heritage Park – formerly Civic Center Park 3200 Main Street Lemon Grove, 91945
National City	December 26th, 2024 – January 14th, 2025	Las Palmas Park – Pool Parking Lot and Kimball Park 1800 E 22nd St. National City, CA 91950
Otay Mesa	January 1 2025 – January 31 2025	Otay Mesa Compost Facility 434 Alta Road San Diego, CA 92154 Mon-Fri: 6:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.To qualify for free drop off, Christmas trees must:• come from personal residences/non-commercial sources. • be free of ornaments, stands, flocking and netting. • No artificial trees accepted
Oceanside	January 1 2025 – January 31 2025	El Corazon Compost Facility 3210 Oceanside Blvd. Oceanside, CA 920567:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. \| Monday through Friday 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. \| Saturday Closed SundayTo qualify for free drop off, Christmas trees must:• come from personal residences/non- commercial sources. • be free of ornaments, stands, flocking and netting. • No artificial trees acceptedhttps://agriserviceinc.com
Ramona	Dec 27th-December 30th 2024 and Jan 3-6 2025	Ramona High School 1401 Hanson Street, Ramona, 92065 The Village Shopping Center in SD Country Estates 23658 San Vicente Rd Ramona, CA 92065 8AM-3PM No Flocked Trees
San Marcos	December 26, 2024 -January 6, 2025	Senior Center 111 Richmar Ave San Marcos, CA 92069
San Pasqual Valley	December 26th, 2024 – January 6th, 2025	San Pasqual Valley Soils 16111 Old Milky Way, Escondido, California 92027(760) 746-4769 www.spvsoils.comHours of operation: Monday – Friday: 6:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. Saturday: 6:30 a.m. – 3:00 p.m. Sunday: Closed No flocked or artificial trees accepted. Ensure there is nothing on the trees.
Santee	December 26th, 2024 – January 9th, 2025	Waste Management Recycle Center 925 O’Connor Street, El Cajon, CA 92020Monday-Friday open 7:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.Saturday open 7:00 a.m. to .12:00 p.m.Republic Customers may also take trees to Sycamore LandfillSycamore Landfill 8514 Mast Blvd. Santee, CA 92071 Monday- Friday 8:00 am- 3:00 p mJanuary 8- 19, 2025Please bring proof of bill (electronic or paper accepted)
Solana Beach	December 26th 2024- January 17, 2025	La Colonia County Park 715 Valley Ave Solana Beach, CA 92075 Solana Beach City Hall 635 S. Highway 101 Solana Beach, CA 92075
Valley Center	December 26 2024 – January 6 2025	Valley Center Elementary School Lower parking lot 28751 Cole Grade Road Valley Center, CA 92082
Vista	December 26, 2024 – January 6, 2025	Public lot on Vale Terrace Drive at Williamston located across the street from Vista Community 1000 Vale Terrace Drive Vista, CA 92084 Parking lot on the corner of S. Melrose Drive & Shadowridge Drive Vista, CA 92081

CITY OF SAN DIEGO – Drop Off Locations

All locations are open during daylight hours

Community	Dates Available	Drop-off Address
Carmel Valley	Dec 26th 2024 – January 16th, 2025	Carmel Valley Recreation Center 3777 Townsgate Dr. (lower parking lot)
Encanto	Dec 26 2023 – January 23, 2024	Cielo Drive at Woodman Street
Golden Hill	Dec 26th 2024 – January 16th, 2025	Golden Hill Recreation Center 2600 Golf Course Dr.
Logan Heights	Dec 26th 2024 – January 16th, 2025	Memorial Recreation Center 2902 Marcy Ave.
Miramar	Dec 26th 2024 – January 16th, 2025	The Greenery at the Miramar Landfill 5180 Convoy St. (north of state Route 52)
Mission Bay	Dec 26th 2024 – January 16th, 2025	Seaworld Drive at Pacific Highway
Mountain View	Dec 26th 2024 – January 16th, 2025	Ocean View Blvd. @ 40th St. (north side)
Ocean Beach	Dec 26th 2023 – January 23rd, 2024	Robb Field Recreation Center 2525 Bacon St.
Otay Mesa / Nestor	Dec 26th 2024 – January 16th, 2025	Montgomery Waller Community Park (lower parking lot on the southeast corner of Palm Avenue and Beyer Boulevard)
Pacific Beach	Dec 26th 2024 – January 16th, 2025	Kate Sessions Memorial Park, corner of Mt. Soledad Road and Loring Street
Rancho Bernardo	Dec 26th 2024 – January 16th, 2025	Rancho Bernardo Recreation Center 18448 W. Bernardo Dr.
Rancho Penasquitos	Dec 26th 2024 – January 16th, 2025	Canyonside Recreation Center, 12350 Black Mountain Rd.
San Diego State University	Dec 26th 2024 – January 16th, 2025	Parking Lot 17 off of Alvarado Rd.
Scripps Ranch	Dec 26th 2024 – January 16th, 2025	Ocean View Blvd. @ 40th St. (north side)
Tierrasanta	Dec 26th 2024 – January 16th, 2025	Tierrasanta Community Park (Pool Parking Lot) 11220 Clairemont Mesa Blvd
University City	Dec 26th 2024 – January 16th, 2025	Standley Community Park (Parking Lot) 3585 Governor Drive
Oak Park		TEMPORARILY CLOSED

Month: December 2024

Christmas Tree Recycling Guide: How and Where to Recycle Real Christmas Trees in San Diego County

The holiday season is here! Did you know Christmas trees can take hundreds of years to decompose in a landfill due to lack of oxygen to break it down? Help us keep San Diego’s landfills clear by turning yours into mulch and compost!

Curbside Hauling Instructions by City