After the holidays, San Diego residents can help close the loop on seasonal waste by recycling their real Christmas trees instead of sending them to the landfill. When trees are mulched or composted, they’re transformed into nutrient-rich organic material that supports healthy soil and landscaping throughout the region. Recycling Christmas trees also helps reduce greenhouse gas emissions, since organic waste in landfills produces methane, a powerful contributor to climate change. In fact, according to the EPA, organic materials like food scraps, yard waste, and Christmas trees make up nearly two-thirds of what ends up in landfills.
To make recycling easy, waste haulers offer convenient curbside pickup and drop-off options across the region. Residents can find a complete list of 2025–2026 Christmas tree recycling locations at WasteFreeSD.org. To ensure trees can be properly recycled, be sure to remove all decorations, lights, stands, and bags, avoid flocked trees and tinsel, cut trees taller than four feet if using curbside service, and recycle promptly after the holidays. Organic wreaths can be recycled too, while artificial trees should be reused or donated when possible.
Follow these guidelines to make sure your tree can be properly recycled:
- Remove all decorations, lights, stands, and bags
- Flocked trees and tinsel can’t be recycled
- If using curbside recycling, cut trees taller than four feet in half
- Recycle live trees and organic wreaths promptly after the holidays
- Artificial trees not accepted and should be reused or donated when possible
Find Curbside Pickup Guidelines for North County, East County, South Bay, Central San Diego, and Unincorporated Residents below.
Find Dropoff sites in the City of San Diego and County of San Diego below.
Curbside Pickup Guidelines:
North County San Diego Pickup Guidelines:
To ensure your Christmas tree can be properly recycled, remove all decorations, lights, stands, and bags, note that flocked trees and tinsel aren’t accepted. Artificial trees are not accepted.
Community | Collection Dates | Instructions |
|---|---|---|
Carlsbad | Year Round | Republic requires tree to be cut so it fits inside the green organics car with the lid closed for collection, or can be set curbside starting 12/26/2025 through 1/14/2026 on your regular collection day. |
Del Mar | Year Round | EDCO requires trees to be cut so it fits inside the green organics cart with the lid closed for collection. |
Escondido | Year Round | EDCO requires trees to be cut so it fits inside the green organics cart with the lid closed for collection. |
Encinitas | Year Round | EDCO requires trees to be cut so it fits inside the green organics cart with the lid closed for collection. |
Oceanside | Year Round | Waste Management requires trees cut in half and placed in the organics cart with lid closed, or can be set curbside between 12/26/25 – 1/16/26 on your regular collection day |
Solana Beach | Year Round | EDCO requires trees to be cut so it fits inside the green organics cart with the lid closed for collection. |
Poway | Year Round | EDCO requires trees to be cut so it fits inside the green organics cart with the lid closed for collection. |
Ramona | Year Round | Requires trees to be cut so it fits inside the green organics cart with the lid closed for collection. |
Vista | Year Round | EDCO requires trees to be cut so it fits inside the green organics cart with the lid closed for collection. |
East County San Diego Pickup Guidelines:
To ensure your Christmas tree can be properly recycled, remove all decorations, lights, stands, and bags, note that flocked trees and tinsel aren’t accepted. Artificial trees are not accepted.
Community | Collection Dates | Instructions |
|---|---|---|
El Cajon | Year Round | EDCO requires trees to be cut so it fits inside the green organics cart with the lid closed for collection. |
La Mesa | Year Round | EDCO requires trees to be cut so it fits inside the green organics cart with the lid closed for collection. |
Lemon Grove | Year Round | EDCO requires trees to be cut so it fits inside the green organics cart with the lid closed for collection. |
Santee | Year Round | Requires trees to be cut so it fits inside the green organics cart with the lid closed for collection, or can be set
curbside 12/26/25 – 1/9/26 on your regular collection day |
South Bay San Diego Pickup Guidelines
To ensure your Christmas tree can be properly recycled, remove all decorations, lights, stands, and bags, note that flocked trees and tinsel aren’t accepted. Artificial trees are not accepted.
Community | Collection Dates | Instructions |
|---|---|---|
Chula Vista | Year Round | Requires trees to be cut so it fits inside the green organics cart with the lid closed for collection. |
Imperial Beach | Year Round | EDCO requires trees to be cut so it fits inside the green organics cart with the lid closed for collection. |
National City | Year Round | EDCO requires trees to be cut so it fits inside the green organics cart with the lid closed for collection. |
Central San Diego Pickup Guidelines
To ensure your Christmas tree can be properly recycled, remove all decorations, lights, stands, and bags. Artificial trees are not accepted.
Community | Collection Dates | Instructions |
|---|---|---|
Coronado | Year Round | EDCO Requires trees to be cut so it fits inside the green organics cart with the lid closed for collection. |
City of San Diego | Year Round | Both natural AND flocked trees are accepted. Requires trees to be cut so it fits inside the green organics cart with the lid closed for collection. |
Unincorporated San Diego Curbside Pickup Guidelines
Unincorporated San Diego County (including 4S Ranch, Bonsall, Borrego Springs, Fallbrook, Julian, Mount Laguna, Pala, Palomar Mountain, Pauma Valley, Ranchita, Santa Ysabel, Valley Center, Warner Springs, Alpine, Boulevard, Campo, Crest, Dehesa, Descanso, Dulzura, Guatay, Jacumba, Jamul, Lakeside, Pine Valley, Potrero, Rancho San Diego, Spring Valley):
- Remove all lights, ornaments, tinsel and the tree stand
- Cut tree in 4-foot lengths and trim off branches
- Artificial and flocked trees are not recyclable and must be placed in trash
- Drivers will not service trees left outside the container.
- All tree portions must be INSIDE the correct container.
For all waste haulers, you can place your tree in your green cart with the lid closed for collection year-round.
If your waste hauler is Waste Management: Trees can be cut so they fit inside the green organics cart with the lid closed for collection, or can be set curbside 12/26/25 – 1/9/26. 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.
Drop Off Locations
Drop Off Locations - County of San Diego
Alphabetical List Below
Please note: All trees must be real and free of decorations, lights, stands, tinsel, flocking, and bags unless otherwise noted. Artificial trees are NOT accepted. Dates and hours vary by location.
Bonsall
Dates: December 26, 2025 – January 9, 2026
Location: River Village Northwest Parking Lot
5256 Mission Road, Bonsall, CA 92003
Carlsbad
Dates: December 26, 2025 – January 14, 2026
Locations:
Calavera Park, 2997 Glasgow Drive, Carlsbad, CA 92010
Poinsettia Park, 6600 Hidden Valley Road, Carlsbad, CA 92011
Stagecoach Park, 3420 Camino de los Coches, Carlsbad, CA 92009
Fire Station 1, 1275 Carlsbad Village Drive, Carlsbad, CA 92008
Palomar Transfer Station, 5960 El Camino Real, Carlsbad, CA 92008
Chula Vista (Residents Only)
Dates: Year-round
Location: Self-Service Center, Otay Landfill
1700 Maxwell Road, Chula Vista, CA 91911
Hours: Mon–Fri 7:00am–4:30pm | Sat 7:00am–3:00pm | Sun & Major Holidays: Closed
Drop-Off Notes: Free drop-off for Christmas trees from personal residences only. Trees must be free of ornaments, stands, flocking, and netting. Proof of residency required.
Coronado
Dates: December 26, 2025 – January 14, 2026
Locations:
Glorietta Bay Park (Boat Ramp Parking Lot), 1975 Strand Way
Cays Park (across from Fire Station), 99 Grand Caribe Isle
Public Works Yard (Second Street & A Avenue)
Del Mar
Dates: December 26, 2025 – January 14, 2026
Location: Del Mar Public Works
2240 Jimmy Durante Boulevard, Del Mar, CA 92014
El Cajon
Dates: December 26, 2025 – January 12, 2026
Locations:
Wells Park, 1153 E. Madison Avenue, El Cajon, CA 92021
Public Works Operations Yard, 1050 Vernon Way, El Cajon, CA 92020
Drop-Off Notes: Drop-off locations accept Christmas trees only. Trees do not need to be cut down for recycling.
Escondido
Dates: December 26, 2025 – January 10, 2026
Locations:
Kit Carson Park (South Entrance), 3333 Bear Valley Parkway, Escondido, CA 92025
Jesmond Dene Park, 2401 N. Broadway, Escondido, CA 92026
Imperial Beach
Dates: December 26, 2025 – January 12, 2026
Locations:
Imperial Beach Public Works, 495 10th Street, Imperial Beach, CA 91932
Boys & Girls Club, 847 Encina Avenue, Imperial Beach, CA 91932
Drop-Off Notes: Drop-off locations accept Christmas trees only. Trees do not need to be cut down for recycling.
La Mesa
Dates: December 26, 2025 – January 11, 2026
Location: EDCO Station
8184 Commercial Street, La Mesa, CA 91942
Hours: Mon–Fri 5:00am–2:30pm | Sat 7:00am–4:30pm | Sun 8:00am–4:30pm
Lemon Grove
Dates: December 26, 2025 – January 12, 2026
Location: Treganza Heritage Park
3200 Main Street, Lemon Grove, CA 91945
National City
Dates: December 26, 2025 – January 12, 2026
Location: Las Palmas Park (Pool Parking Lot)
1800 E. 22nd Street, National City, CA 91950
Oceanside
Dates: January 1 – January 31, 2026
Location: El Corazon Compost Facility
3210 Oceanside Boulevard, Oceanside, CA 92056
Hours: Mon–Fri 7:30am–5:00pm | Sat 8:00am–4:00pm | Closed Sunday
Drop-Off Notes: Free drop-off for Christmas trees from personal residences only. Trees must be free of ornaments, stands, flocking, and netting. No artificial trees accepted.
Otay Mesa
Dates: January 1 – January 31, 2026
Location: Otay Mesa Compost Facility
434 Alta Road, San Diego, CA 92154
Hours: Mon–Fri 6:30am–4:00pm
Drop-Off Notes: Free drop-off for Christmas trees from personal residences only. Trees must be free of ornaments, stands, flocking, and netting. No artificial trees accepted.
Ramona
Dates & Times: December 27–28, 2025 & January 3–4, 2026 | 8:00am–3:00pm
Locations:
Ramona High School, 1401 Hanson Street, Ramona, CA 92065
Village Shopping Center, 23658 San Vicente Road, Ramona, CA 92065
Drop-Off Notes: No flocked trees accepted.
San Marcos
Dates: December 26, 2025 – January 9, 2026
Location: Corky Smith Gymnasium
274 Pico Avenue, San Marcos, CA 92069
San Pasqual Valley
Dates: December 26, 2025 – January 15, 2026
Location: San Pasqual Valley Soils
16111 Old Milky Way, Escondido, CA 92027
Hours: Mon–Fri 6:30am–4:30pm | Sat 6:30am–3:00pm | Closed Sunday
Drop-Off Notes: No flocked or artificial trees accepted. Trees must be completely free of ornaments, tinsel, and stands.
Santee
Dates: December 26, 2025 – January 9, 2026
Locations:
Waste Management Recycling Center (Santee Residents Only), 925 O’Connor Street, El Cajon, CA 92020
Hours: Mon–Fri 7:00am–4:00pm | Sat 7:00am–12:00pmSantee Residents Only
Sycamore Landfill (Republic customers only), 8514 Mast Boulevard, Santee, CA 92071
Dates: January 5–31, 2026 | Mon–Fri 8:00am–3:00pm
Drop-Off Notes: Proof of utility bill required for Sycamore Landfill drop-off.
Solana Beach
Dates: December 26, 2025 – January 16, 2026
Locations:
La Colonia County Park, 715 Valley Avenue, Solana Beach, CA 92075
Solana Beach City Hall, 635 S. Highway 101, Solana Beach, CA 92075
Valley Center
Dates: December 26, 2025 – January 5, 2026
Location: Valley Center Elementary School (Lower Parking Lot)
28751 Cole Grade Road, Valley Center, CA 92082
Vista
Dates: December 26, 2025 – January 9, 2026
Locations:
Public Lot at Vale Terrace Drive & Williamston, 1000 Vale Terrace Drive, Vista, CA 92084
S. Melrose Drive & Shadowridge Drive Parking Lot, Vista, CA 92081
Drop Off Locations - City of San Diego
The annual Christmas Tree Recycling Program begins the day after Christmas, Dec. 26, 2025 and runs through Jan. 16, 2026 and features 16 drop-off locations available to City of San Diego residents.
Drop-Off Notes (All Locations Below): Green and flocked trees ARE accepted. Remove all tree stands, lights, and decorations. Do not bag your Christmas tree. Artificial trees are NOT accepted.
Carmel Valley
Location: Carmel Valley Recreation Center (Lower Parking Lot)
3777 Townsgate Drive, San Diego, CA 92130
City Heights / Colina Del Sol
Location: Colina Del Sol – South Parking Lot
Enter on 52nd Street & 52nd Place, San Diego, CA 92115
Clairemont / Linda Vista Area
Location: Cielo Drive at Woodman Street
San Diego, CA
Golden Hill
Location: Golden Hill Recreation Center
2600 Golf Course Drive, San Diego, CA 92102
Point Loma / Midway
Location: Memorial Recreation Center
2902 Marcy Avenue, San Diego, CA 92113
Mission Bay / Old Town
Location: SeaWorld Drive at Pacific Highway
San Diego, CA
Mountain View
Location: Ocean View Boulevard @ 40th Street (North Side)
San Diego, CA 92113
Ocean Beach
Location: Robb Field Recreation Center
2525 Bacon Street, San Diego, CA 92107
San Ysidro / South Bay
Location: Montgomery Waller Community Park (Lower Parking Lot)
Southeast corner of Palm Avenue & Beyer Boulevard, San Diego, CA 92154
Pacific Beach
Location: Kate Sessions Memorial Park
Corner of Mt. Soledad Road & Loring Street, San Diego, CA 92109
Rancho Bernardo
Location: Rancho Bernardo Recreation Center
18448 W. Bernardo Drive, San Diego, CA 92127
Rancho Peñasquitos
Location: Canyonside Recreation Center
12350 Black Mountain Road, San Diego, CA 92129
College Area
Location: Parking Lot 17 (off Alvarado Road)
San Diego, CA 92120
Scripps Ranch
Location: Scripps Ranch Recreation Center
11454 Blue Cypress Drive, San Diego, CA 92131
Tierrasanta
Location: Tierrasanta Community Park (Pool Parking Lot)
11220 Clairemont Mesa Boulevard, San Diego, CA 92124
University City / Clairemont Mesa
Location: Standley Community Park (Parking Lot)
3585 Governor Drive, San Diego, CA 92122
