County of San Diego and I Love A Clean San Diego Offer Convenient Recycling Options for the 2025–2026 Holiday Season
SAN DIEGO –
As the holiday season comes to an end, San Diego residents are encouraged to recycle their real Christmas trees and help reduce the amount of organic waste sent to landfills. Through Christmas tree recycling programs offered throughout the region, trees can be transformed into nutrient-rich compost or mulch, supporting healthy soils while reducing greenhouse gas emissions.
When organic materials like Christmas trees decompose in landfills, they produce methane, a potent greenhouse gas that contributes to climate change. Recycling trees keeps this material out of landfills and gives it a second life that benefits local communities and the environment.
According to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, organic waste— including food scraps, yard waste, and Christmas trees — are the number one material sent to landfills, accounting for nearly two-thirds of the solid waste stream.
Finding a tree recycling location in San Diego County:
To make recycling easy and accessible, the County of San Diego, in partnership with I Love A Clean San Diego, offers a variety of curbside and drop-off recycling options throughout the region. Residents can find a complete list of 2025–2026 Christmas tree recycling locations, including curbside collection availability and drop-off sites, by visiting WasteFreeSD.org. Recycling options vary by location, and residents are encouraged to check the guide for details specific to their city or unincorporated area.
Preparing your Christmas tree for recycling
- All decorations, including ornaments, lights, garland, nails, tree stands, and tree bags, must be removed.
- Flocked trees are only accepted in certain areas. Please check your local guidelines at wastefreesd.org.
- Tinsel must also be removed and placed in the trash, though residents are encouraged to avoid using it altogether due to its single-use plastic composition.
- In areas with curbside collection, trees taller than four feet should be cut in half, with pieces kept under four feet in length.
For more information on Christmas tree recycling and other waste reduction resources, visit WasteFreeSD.org.
About I Love A Clean San Diego
I Love A Clean San Diego is an environmental nonprofit that has supported residents and businesses of San Diego County through youth and adult education and local action through impactful volunteer events and workshops since 1954. 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 orto volunteer , visit cleansd.org or call (619) 291-0103.
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