Author: ilacsd

Christmas Tree Recycling Guide 2023- 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. Read this article HERE for curbside hauling instructions.

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 26 2023 – January 5 2024	River Village – Northwest parking lot 5256 Mission Road Bonsall, CA 92003
Carlsbad	Dec 26 2023 – Jan 14 2024	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 2023 – January 14 2024	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
Del Mar	Dec 26 2023 – Jan 19 2024	Del Mar Public Works 2240 Jimmy Durante Boulevard Del Mar, CA 92014
El Cajon	December 26 2023 – January 15 2024	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	December 26 2023 – January 5 2024	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 26 2023 -January 27 2024	Imperial Beach Public Works 495 10th St. Imperial Beach, CA 91932 Boys 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 2023 – January 14 2024	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 26 2023 – January 14 2024	Treganza Heritage Park – formerly Civic Center Park 3200 Main Street Lemon Grove, 91945 Drop-off locations are for Christmas Trees ONLY. Christmas trees do not need to be cut down for recycling at drop-off locations.
National City	December 26 2023 – January 12 2024	Las Palmas Park – Pool Parking Lot 1800 E 22nd St. National City, CA 91950
Otay Mesa	January 1 2024 – January 31 2024	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 2024 – January 31 2024	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 accepted https://agriserviceinc.com
Ramona	Dec 29th 2023 – January 2nd, and Jan 5-8 2024	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 2023 – January 5 2024	Senior Center 111 Richmar Ave San Marcos, CA 92069
San Pasqual Valley	December 26th, 2023 – January 7th, 2024	San Pasqual Valley Soils 16111 Old Milky Way, Escondido, California 92027(760) 746-4769 www.spvsoils.comHours of operation: Monday – Friday: 7:00 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. Saturday: 7:00 a.m. – 2:30 p.m. Sunday: Closed No flocked or artificial trees accepted.
Santee	December 26th 2023 – January 9th 2024	Waste Management Recycle Center 925 O’Connor Street, El Cajon, CA 92020Open 7:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Monday to Friday, and 7:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. on Saturday.Republic Customers may also take trees to Sycamore Landfill 8514 Mast Blvd. Santee, CA 92071 Monday- Friday 8:00 am- 3:00 pm January 8- 19, 2024Please bring proof of bill (electronic or paper accepted)
Solana Beach	December 26th 2023- January 5, 2024	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 2023 – January 5 2024	Valley Center Elementary School Lower parking lot 28751 Cole Grad Road Valley Center, CA 92082
Vista	December 26, 2023 – January 5, 2024	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

Community	Dates Available	Drop-off Address
Carmel Valley	Dec 26th 2023 – January 23rd, 2024	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 2023 – January 23rd, 2024	Golden Hill Recreation Center 2600 Golf Course Dr.
Pacific Beach	Dec 26th 2023 – January 23rd, 2024	Kate Sessions Memorial Park, corner of Mt. Soledad Road and Loring Street
Logan Heights	Dec 26th 2023 – January 23rd, 2024	Memorial Recreation Center 2902 Marcy Ave.
Miramar	Dec 26th 2023 – January 23rd, 2024	The Greenery at the Miramar Landfill 5180 Convoy St. (north of state Route 52)
Mission Bay	Dec 26th 2023 – January 23rd, 2024	Seaworld Drive at Pacific Highway
Mountain View	Dec 26th 2023 – January 23rd, 2024	Ocean View Blvd. @ 40th St. (north side)
Oak Park	Dec 26th 2023 – January 23rd, 2024	Chollas Lake 6350 College Grove Drive (in Gloria’s Mesa parking lot)
Ocean Beach	Dec 26th 2023 – January 23rd, 2024	Robb Field Recreation Center 2525 Bacon St.
Otay Mesa / Nestor	Dec 26th 2023 – January 23rd, 2024	Montgomery Waller Community Park (lower parking lot on the southeast corner of Palm Avenue and Beyer Boulevard)
Rancho Bernando	Dec 26th 2023 – January 23rd, 2024	Rancho Bernardo Recreation Center 18448 W. Bernardo Dr.
Rancho Penasquitos	Dec 26th 2023 – January 23rd, 2024	Canyonside Recreation Center, 12350 Black Mountain Rd.
San Diego State University	Dec 26th 2023 – January 23rd, 2024	Parking Lot 17 off of Alvarado Rd.
Scripps Ranch	Dec 26th 2023 – January 23rd, 2024	Scripps Ranch Recreation Center 11454 Blue Cypress Dr.
Tierrasanta	Dec 26th 2023 – January 23rd, 2024	Tierrasanta Community Park (Pool Parking Lot) 11220 Clairemont Mesa Blvd
University City	Dec 26th 2023 – January 23rd, 2024	Standley Community Park (Parking Lot) 3585 Governor Drive Construction occurring at site, drop off site will remain active during construction hours

Christmas Tree Recycling Guide 2023 – CURBSIDE HAULING

The holiday season is here! Many communities in San Diego County have options for Christmas tree recycling at your curbside collection and is a great way to help divert your Christmas tree from the landfill following the holiday festivities.

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	The City of Carlsbad and Republic Services are offering free, curbside pickup for holiday trees Dec. 26, 2023 to Jan. 14, 2024	Remove all decorations, including tinsel, lights, ornaments and tree stands. Trees taller than 6 feet must be cut in half and placed inside of or 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.	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 (760) 744-2700
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 (760) 439-2824
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 (760) 201-1578
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 (760) 789-0516
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) 744-5615
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 (760) 789-0516
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.	Republic Services (619) 421-9400.
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 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 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.	Remove all decorations, including tinsel, lights, ornaments and tree stands. Trees taller than 6 feet must be cut in half and placed inside 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 (760) 439-2824

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 (760) 744-5615
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 (760) 744-5615
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 (760) 744-5615
Santee	December 26th, 2023 – January 9th, 2024 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 (760) 439-2824
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 (760) 439-2824
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. 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.	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 (760) 744-5615

SOUTH BAY SAN DIEGO

Community

Collection Days

Instructions

Waste Hauler

Chula Vista

Year-round

Place tree at the curb on your regular collection day. Remove all ornaments, tinsel, garland and plastic or metal stands.
When possible, cut tree into four-foot sections. Plastic trees are NOT recyclable and must be disposed of as trash!
Apartment and condominium residents please contact your manager or HOA.
Residents of single-family homes, please place tree at the curb on your regular collection day. Remove all ornaments, tinsel, garland and plastic or metal stands.
When possible, cut tree into four-foot sections.
Flocked and plastic trees are NOT recyclable and must be disposed of as trash!
Residents with any questions can call 619-691-5122 or email EnvironmentalServices@chulavistaca.gov

Republic Services
(800) 421-9401

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
(760) 744-5615

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
(760) 744-5615

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.

8 Tips for a Zero Waste Holiday Feast

Food is the highlight of many of our holiday traditions and memories. We can all think of a holiday dish that makes us smile and our mouths water instantly. Yet, San Diegans dispose of 500,000 tons of food each year. During the holidays, millions of pounds of uneaten turkey, gravy, green beans, mashed potatoes, and other seasonal trimmings unfortunately end up in the landfill. This accounts for ⅓ of all food that is wasted each year.

According to a recent study, food waste amounts to the cost of approximately $1,500 per year, per family. Wasted food also wastes money, time, labor, transportation, water, and land used in food production. Aside from this waste, food decomposes anaerobically (without oxygen) in landfills releasing methane gas, a driver of global climate change that is up to 86 times more potent in trapping heat than carbon dioxide. San Diego County residents have the power to change this during the holiday season, and the study suggests that the upcoming Thanksgiving holiday is the perfect place to start!

Implementing some simple changes can reduce your food waste and support a healthy environment. Here are some simple tips to save money and help the environment while enjoying delicious holiday meals.

Cook and serve with a plan

The easiest way to reduce food waste during the holidays is to buy and prepare the right amount of food. Save the Food, a campaign of the Ad Council in collaboration with the Natural Resources Defense Council, created a tool to help save money and time while reducing food waste. Their Guest-imator helps create a menu based on how many people are attending the holiday feast.

Once the home chef knows roughly how much food is needed, create a detailed shopping list and stick to it. This will prevent getting sucked in by holiday displays appealing sales throughout the store, sometimes causing excessive purchases that may not be needed and may not actually be eaten.

When shopping for ingredients, opt for unpackaged items or bring your own cloth bags to minimize unnecessary waste further. In case there isn’t a package-less option for your groceries, learn how to Recycle Right on this county website.

Shop at local farmers’ markets

Nothing better than a festive farmer’s market! Visit one of the 36 certified farmers’ markets in San Diego County and buy local, unpackaged produce directly from regional farmers. View this resource from the county for a list of regional certified farmers’ markets.

Embrace all foods

When shopping, most people select the best-looking produce, meaning the “ugly” fruits and vegetables are often left on the shelves. If these items are not sold in time, they may be destined for the landfill. This wasted produce has the same vitamins and nutrients as their “prettier” counterparts but is not chosen simply because of looks. Give all produce a chance at the grocery store or farmers’ markets, especially if the chosen produce is part of a larger dish.

Go for plant-based meals

Did you know it takes 1,800 gallons of water to produce one pound of beef? Incorporating more plant-based foods into holiday celebrations, such as green bean casserole, lentil shepherd’s pie, and stuffed peppers, can cut the environmental cost of meals significantly. Find more plant-based holiday recipes here.

Shrink serving sizes

During the meal, reduce portion waste by using smaller dishes and smaller serving spoons – seriously, it works! People can always come back for seconds.

Anticipate yummy leftovers

Having a plan for leftovers is another way to ensure that the food prepared is eaten. After all, half the goodness of holiday food is in the delicious leftovers the next day. Provide containers for guests to take remaining food home, freeze leftovers for a later date, or use those leftovers in creative ways. Some recipe ideas can be found here.

Donate unused items – WasteFreeSD.org

Visit WasteFreeSD.org for more tips, including how to keep fruits and vegetables fresh longer, and for donation locations for regional food pantries. Currently, about 1 in 4 people in San Diego County are nutritionally insecure.

Spare your drains

Prevent the “fatberg.” Another important way to protect our environment (and your plumbing) this holiday season and year-round is to properly manage used cooking oil. Deep-fried turkeys have become an increasingly popular holiday tradition, but can use up to three gallons of cooking oil. When discarded down drains, oils, fats, and greases can block pipes and damage plumbing systems. Contrary to popular belief, mixing oil with soap or pouring hot water down the drain afterward are ineffective methods for preventing “fatbergs” that cause sewage backups.

Fortunately, there are free drop-off locations for used cooking oil. Collect cooled cooking oils in a secure lidded container labeled “used cooking oil.” Do not mix chemicals or other liquids with the cooking oil. To find the closest drop-off location, visit the Recycling and Household Hazardous Waste database, WasteFreeSD.org, or call 1-877-R-1-EARTH (1-877-713-2784).

Residents interested in learning more about food waste reduction can visit the County of San Diego’s Recycling website. To learn more about composting resources and options, please visit WasteFreeSD.org and click on Resources.

Celebrate environmentalism across the region at I Love A Clean San Diego’s 2023 Fall Social

San Diego, CA – October 5, 2023 – I Love A Clean San Diego (ILACSD) is thrilled to invite the San Diego community to the Fall Social, taking place on Thursday, October 12, from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. at the Catamaran Resort Hotel and Spa, for an evening celebrating environmentalism across the region.

Guests will connect with environmental leaders, volunteers, educators, and ILACSD staff. The evening will include live music by Surf’s Up – The Beach Boys Tribute Band, delectable food and drinks, a silent auction, and much more, all set against the backdrop of a stunning San Diego sunset.

“I Love A Clean San Diego is excited to honor the dedication and innovation of volunteers, businesses, and community partners who have played an integral role in safeguarding and enhancing our local environment,” said Edwin Mendoza, Director of Marketing & Communications for I Love A Clean San Diego.

The esteemed award categories and awardees include Nancy Janssen, Volunteer of the Year Award; Kim Klinko, Leading Tomorrow Award; San Diego Brewcycling Collaborative, Zero Waste Innovator Award; City of La Mesa, Community Collaboration Award; and this year’s Corporate Employee Engagement Award will be presented to Wells Fargo.

“Working with I Love A Clean San Diego on sustainability initiatives and conservation clean-up efforts gives our Wells Fargo volunteers an opportunity to improve the community in which we live and work. Sustainability is one of Wells Fargo’s focal pillars, which is why we are proud to support I Love A Clean San Diego and our community as we transition towards a more sustainable future,” said Laura MacKinnon Chapman, Philanthropy and Community Impact Specialist with Wells Fargo.

Proceeds from the event will directly support ILACSD’s vital environmental programs, benefiting the entire San Diego County.

Thank you to our 2023 Fall Social Ocean Sponsor, Sycuan, and the Catamaran Resort Hotel and Spa!

Tickets to the event can be purchased at cleansd.org/fallsocial.

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.

Preliminary Results for I Love A Clean San Diego’s 39th Annual International Coastal Cleanup Day

Preliminary Results for I Love A Clean San Diego’s 39th Annual International Coastal Cleanup Day

SAN DIEGO COUNTY (Sept. 23, 2023) – This morning, more than 5,000 San Diegans joined I Love A Clean San Diego (ILACSD) for the 39th annual Coastal Cleanup Day. Volunteers across the region restored, beautified, and preserved the health of over 100 local parks, canyons, creeks, and beaches and joined volunteers in 150 countries across the globe. As of 2:30 p.m. and with 85% of sites reporting totals, over 76,800 pounds of litter and debris was diverted from San Diego communities. Final cleanup totals to come in the following days.

“We are incredibly proud of the San Diego community today,” said the event’s director Ann Marie Sack. “With the addition of today’s preliminary results, over 277,000 San Diegans have been part of Coastal Cleanup Day.”

Residents across the county have removed over 5.4 million pounds of litter and debris from local communities since Coastal Cleanup Day’s inception in 1985.

Councilmember Joe LaCava presented ILACSD with a San Diego City Council Proclamation at Torrey Pines State Beach in La Jolla, celebrating 39 years of Coastal Cleanup Day. “I Love A Clean San Diego diverts millions of pounds of litter from our ocean and beaches,” said Councilmember Joe LaCava, Chair of the City of San Diego Environment Committee. “Participating in Coastal Cleanup Day and other ILACSD events is an easy way to help protect our precious ecosystems and a visual reminder of the impacts of plastic pollution.” Many elected officials helped kick off Coastal Cleanup Day at a site within their district, including Assemblymember Brian Maienschein, Assemblymember Chris Ward, and Councilmember Jennifer Campbell.

Hundreds of residents volunteered at the Coastal Cleanup Day kickoff site at YMCA Camp Surf in Imperial Beach. The site in Imperial Beach was selected to bring awareness and aid in cross-border ocean pollution. “I am so grateful for the positive impact that I Love A Clean San Diego and residents made today in Imperial Beach,” said City of Imperial Beach Mayor Paloma Aguirre. “Volunteers removed litter and microplastics from our beaches, protecting our ocean from further pollution.”

In addition to removing litter, volunteers will compile litter totals from their cleanup site to capture the impact in San Diego County and contribute to this year’s worldwide total.

I Love A Clean San Diego invites residents to the Fall Social, the organization’s largest celebration of environmentalism in our community, on Thursday, October 12, at the Catamaran Resort Hotel & Spa. Early bird tickets are available for purchase until September 30. Proceeds from the event support ILACSD’s environmental education, community, and recycling programs that benefit all of San Diego County.

Thank you to our Presenting, Gold, Silver, and Bronze 2023 Coastal Cleanup Day Partners

Think Blue San Diego, Northrop Grumman, Bank of America, County of San Diego, Cox Communications, Grifols, Project Clean Water, PNC Bank, SDG&E, Wells Fargo, Watkins Wellness, The Bumble Bee Seafood Company, 22nd District Agricultural Association, PlayStation, Wheelhouse Credit Union, Elevation Church, Illumina, Sempra Infrastructure, Sony Electronics, City of Chula Vista, CFI Commercial Facilities Incorporated, ecoATM, City of Imperial Beach, Mitch’s Seafood, and exclusive radio partner, Audacy.

I Love A Clean San Diego will host the 39th annual Coastal Cleanup Day

I Love A Clean San Diego will host the 39th annual Coastal Cleanup Day, bringing together thousands of volunteers at 100 cleanup sites throughout the region
Volunteers can take part in a global cleanup initiative in San Diego on Saturday, September 23. Registration is now open at cleanupday.org

San Diego County (September 1, 2023) International Coastal Cleanup Day returns to San Diego County for its 39th edition on Saturday, September 23, 2023, from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. I Love A Clean San Diego (ILACSD) is the San Diego host for the international coastal cleanup and will be joining many U.S. states, territories, and more than 150 countries across the world. The annual event brings together thousands of San Diegans to preserve the health of over 100 local parks, beaches, creeks, and oceans. Individuals, friends and family, and corporate teams are encouraged to volunteer. Registrations for Coastal Cleanup Day are open at cleanupday.org.

“Witnessing thousands of San Diegans work together on a single day is truly heartening,” said Kristin Banks, Regional Programs Manager at I Love A Clean San Diego. “Last year, we were joined by more than 4,000 residents, and we expect more San Diegans to participate this year!”

I Love A Clean San Diego has served as the official organizer of Coastal Cleanup Day in San Diego County since its founding in 1985. The event has hosted over 272,000 volunteers countywide who have removed over 5.4 million pounds of litter and debris from local communities since its inception. In addition to removing litter, volunteers will compile litter totals from their site to capture the impact in San Diego and contribute to the worldwide total. International Coastal Cleanup is facilitated by The Ocean Conservancy and organized statewide by the California Coastal Commission.

Each year, I Love A Clean San Diego selects an official kickoff site for Coastal Cleanup Day. In an effort to bring awareness and aid in the cross-border ocean pollution, this year’s Coastal Cleanup Day kickoff site will be hosted at YMCA Camp Surf in Imperial Beach. Volunteers at the kickoff site hear from elected officials and can engage with booths from partners like Coastal Cleanup Day Presenting Partner Think Blue San Diego. Think Blue – the City of San Diego’s Stormwater Department – implements innovative, proactive steps to stop pollution before it goes untreated into our storm drain system and has been a long-time supporter of ILACSD’s community cleanups and youth educational programs. Think Blue’s mission is to build and maintain effective stormwater infrastructure to improve local water quality, prevent pollution and create flood-safe communities.

“San Diego is defined by the natural beauty of its beaches and coastal waters, and as pollution continues to threaten San Diego’s quality of life, we must work together to preserve and protect those natural resources for future generations,” said Think Blue Program Manager Craig Gustafson of the City of San Diego’s Stormwater Department. “Collaborative cleanups like this help stop ocean pollution before it starts and show the power of individual and collective action. We can all ‘Think Blue’ by taking simple everyday steps – from properly disposing of trash and pet waste to not overwatering lawns – that help ensure clean water and clean beaches for all.”

Thank you to our Presenting, Gold, Silver, and Bronze 2023 Coastal Cleanup Day Partners

Reduce Your Waste This Halloween: DIY Tips and Tricks

For both young and old, Halloween means dressing up as a cute critter, vicious vampire, or wicked witch. It’s a time to host parties, carve pumpkins, decorate haunted houses, and escape into a supernatural world for one night. Halloween is a fun tradition, but it is also one of the least environmentally friendly holidays. Considering the candy wrappers, decorations, and costumes made out of non-biodegradable materials, there are plenty of ways to reduce your impact this Halloween. Here are some eco-friendly tips to make your Halloween and earth-friendly.

Costume

There are a few ways you can reduce the environmental impact of Halloween costumes: Bring out your inner creativity by designing your own costume using unwanted items or old clothing. Click here for ideas. Replace face masks with these natural face paints with reusable containers, and create fake blood using corn syrup and food coloring. You can also make a trip to your local thrift store to find materials that you might need and maybe even find the costume that you’ve been looking for!

Trick-Or-Treat

Instead of buying another plastic pumpkin to hold all the tasty treats, try replacing it with a reusable shopping bag, pillow case, or basket this year!

Decorations

Halloween decorations are arguably the most wasteful part of Halloween, as they tend to contain excessive amounts of plastic. Try making your own! You’ll not only save money but the environment as well! Pinterest always has a wealth of great DIY ideas to get you started.

Examples of DIY decorations include making bats out of egg cartons or floating ghosts using unwanted white linen sheets. You can also create light-up tin cans/lanterns by poking holes in a soup can to create an image, then placing tea lights inside to make it glow.

To Give or Not to Give (Candy)

If your house gets a lot of trick-or-treaters every year, consider buying organic and non-GMO candy such as YumEarth. This is healthier than the conventional store-bought candy and better for the environment because it doesn’t contain pesticides or chemicals.

Alternatively, you can also try giving out other types of treats, such as bracelets made out of recycled flip-flops or compostable pencils, which will grow into herbs or flowers when you plant them. These treats are more eco-friendly and might even help children learn a thing or two about sustainability!

Pumpkin Disposal

If you are an EDCO customer, you can also put your pumpkins in the green bin if they are clean and unpainted. For the City of San Diego residents, they can be placed inside the organic waste recycling green bins. For additional information, please visit the WasteFreeSD.org search tool and use the keyword “pumpkins” to find a disposal location in your area.

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Waste Audit – Starting Your Zero Waste Journey

Starting your journey towards a more zero-waste lifestyle starts at home! From the food you eat to the soaps and products you use, it’s important to understand where these items are sourced, as well as the impacts these items have on our shared environment.

What is zero waste? First, let’s define what zero waste is to better understand how it affects you and what it means for our communities.

Zero waste is the process of eliminating reusable or repairable materials from ending up in the landfill. Zero waste encourages manufacturers, municipalities, and consumers to evaluate current consumption patterns and minimize single-use items. In order to divert materials from the landfill, we must share the responsibility of producing and consuming sustainable products while limiting our use of disposable items.

While not everything in your home can be hand crafted and biodegradable, knowing what you already have, how to make it last and how to get creative with reusable items by conducting a waste audit can help.

Step 1: Take note of what you are using in your home and in your daily life. Create a list and write down everything you use. Separate by category (i.e.: toiletries, cleaning products, etc.) Using the notes feature on your phone, some scratch paper or a white board are good tools for this.

If you need to declutter your space of any unwanted items, you can check out wastefreesd.org to access a free database of how and where to properly dispose of items or schedule for pickup. If you’re looking to sell anything, Facebook Marketplace is a great way to quickly sell any items.

Step 2: See what items you tend to throw away the most – is it plastic packaging from takeout, product packaging from online shopping, or food waste from leftovers being forgotten?

Try this! A good alternative to using single-use takeout containers is to bring your own to restaurants just in case you have leftovers you want to take home with you!

Step 3: See if you can start to change these habits so you are reducing waste and find more sustainable options out there, such as shopping locally in person when you can, shopping in bulk, and going to refill stores.

Together, by cultivating an awareness of what we are purchasing and using, we are capable of making a collective change that will reduce the amount of waste that is collected in our local landfills.

How To Be A Zero Waste College Student

It’s officially back to school season! For many incoming college students, it means packing up to live on their own for the first time as they head to campus dorms and apartments. Whether you are a freshman or heading back for another fun-filled year, moving into a college dorm is the perfect time to start implementing zero waste habits into your lifestyle. To help you get started, here are a few tips to live a zero waste lifestyle in your dorm!

Waste Less, Save More

While packing for college, think about what you already have! You probably own most of the items on your packing list. Start by packing your favorite blankets and pillows from home; this will help if you get homesick. Most campuses and residential communities have online, “Buy and Sell” Facebook groups where students can purchase used furniture, clothes, and books. Whether you are moving in or out of your dorm or apartment, make sure to check out these resources to reduce curb waste and save money. If you are unable to sell your furniture, donate it to a second-hand store instead of discarding it.

Bar soap and package-free shampoo are not always ideal options. However, metal tins (like these from Lush) are the perfect solution! These containers will help keep your soap clean in communal showers and reduce your plastic consumption. Also, consider purchasing multi-use products to reduce the amount of rigid plastic in your bathroom caddy. For example, coconut oil can be used as a conditioner, body lotion, and lip balm. Make sure to skip out on purchasing plastic loofas. Plastic loofas accumulate tons of bacteria and end up in landfills. Instead, DIY your own body scrub using natural alternatives! Lastly, make sure to switch out your plastic toothbrush for a biodegradable bamboo one!

Go from Fast Fashion to Sustainably Stylish

It’s a new year! Maybe your style changed, or maybe it’s time for an upgrade. Before shopping at fast-fashion retailers, think about the 26 trillion pounds of clothing and textiles that end up in landfills each year. Instead of falling victim to this growing trend, check out flea markets and thrift shops to maintain your zero-waste lifestyle.You can even plan a clothing swap party with your hometown friends before moving out! This is a great way to repurpose items that would have ended up in a landfill. While packing for college, make time to go through your entire wardrobe. Determine what clothes you wear regularly, and donate the rest. On your way to orientation, drop off old clothes at a second-hand store!

Remember college can be messy, so don’t invest in clothing you wouldn’t mind getting dirty. Also, don’t forget that you can share clothes with your roommate(s) (just make sure to ask before borrowing)! Lastly, bring a few old t-shirts! Instead of using paper towels, use old t-shirts as rags to wipe down your desk or clean windows.

Pass on the Plastics

What is every college student’s best friend? COFFEE. Unfortunately, most disposable coffee cups are lined with plastic, making them hard to recycle. Investing in a reusable bottle, such as a HydroFlask, is a great way to reduce this type of waste and save money! Most on-campus coffee shops will even give students discounts for bringing their own mugs.

Cooking in college can be a struggle. If you do not have access to a full kitchen, see if you can bring reusable containers to the dining halls. This way, you can avoid Styrofoam and plastic packaging, while saving money and helping the environment! If you like to snack while studying, try making these no-bake granola bites. These granola bites are not only the perfect study snack, but they are also healthy and waste free!

Rethink How You Write

We continue to live in an increasingly digital world. Instead of buying new notebooks, try going paperless next semester! Taking notes on a laptop can make studying and collaborating with your classmates easier. However, if you learn better by handwriting your notes, consider investing in a Rocketbook. These notebooks can digitally transcribe text.

College textbooks can be crazy expensive. One easy way to save money and reduce your waste is to purchase used textbooks, borrow old textbooks from your friends, or use an e-book. Another tip is to ask your professors if you can reuse blue books that still have blank pages in them!

Take Action!

Remember, in college, people won’t make fun of different lifestyle habits. Instead, they will want to ask questions, learn more, and educate themselves on zero waste habits! Meet friends starting their zero waste journey by joining clubs or volunteering at your campus’ sustainability center.

Unfortunately, not all college lifestyle habits can be easily translated into zero waste practices. For example, cheap ramen will normally be packaged in plastic (however, there are meal prep options when you are further along in your zero waste journey). What is important is that you are taking steps towards a more sustainable lifestyle and contributing to a healthier and greener future!

For more inspiration on how to find zero waste ideas, resources, and other waste reduction techniques, our one-stop database WasteFreeSD or calling our staff at 1-800-237-BLUE (1-800-237-2583) for incorporated residents or 1-877-R-1-EARTH (1-877-713-2784) for unincorporated residents will help answer any of your questions.

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How to Be Sustainable on Your Summer Trip

It’s no secret that traveling is one of the best parts of summer, be it a trek over 2,700 miles away to NYC or just 2 miles to Mission Beach. Unfortunately, when piecing together travel plans, green habits tend to turn a bit gray. Lucky for us, the reality of sustainable traveling is as easy as making small choices that lessen the impact we have on our destinations and the environments we cross to get there. Here are a few tips to consider to go green on your next summer trip.

Before Leaving

Any change starts at home and if you’re going on vacation anytime soon, be sure to minimize your ecological footprint in your home as much as possible while you’re away. You can do this by following these few simple steps:

Adjust Your Thermostat

You’re going to be gone for a few days, and if there are no pets or people, there is no reason to have the AC on full blast nor should the heat be on. Given we are in the midst of summer, your thermostat should be set around 85º F (you could even turn it off if you want) so long as it doesn’t interfere with any temperature-sensitive appliances like your refrigerator.

Unplug Electronics

We are constantly using electricity even when we don’t realize it. Any time an electronic device or appliance is plugged in, even if it’s not in use, it is still using electricity. That electricity being used is produced primarily through the burning of fossil fuels, about 60%, according to the U.S. Energy and Information Administration. So before you go, don’t forget to unplug any gaming system, TV, laptop, toaster, or microwave that would otherwise be using power while you’re away. Check out these energy saving tips.

What to Bring

Deciding what to pack for a trip is one of the most important phases of the pre-trip process. What you bring impacts your choices once you’re there, so why not set yourself up for sustainable success by keeping the following in mind during your packing.

Pack Your Own Reusable Shopping Bags

Simply roll one or two bags up and tuck them into your suitcase or backpack to cut down on the packaging you would otherwise throw away when shopping in a different city. This is also a helpful day bag option if you don’t want to haul all of your luggage around town!

Bring Your Own Reusable Water Bottle

One water bottle takes on average at least 450 years to degrade, and it takes about twice as much water to produce a plastic water bottle as the amount of water inside the bottle. Consider skipping the plastic bottle all together and invest in a durable bottle.

Bring Less, Pack Light

There are a plethora of benefits that come along with packing light, ranging from saving on baggage fees when flying to knowing what you have is what’s by your side. The biggest benefit, however, comes from the shrinking of your carbon footprint when you fly, the less you bring the less weight the airplane carries which lessens the plane’s fuel use and carbon emissions.

Choose Your Method of Travel Wisely

Let’s get this out the way now: walking is the most sustainable mode of transport we will ever have. When it comes to making sustainable travel decisions, the distance you’re traveling is the most important factor.

Local Trips

When heading out to the beach to meet up with friends, consider taking public transportation. Not only will you save on gas, but you’ll also help improve local air quality which is often much worse in urban areas where traffic tends to suffer from congestion.

Another option (for those close enough) is to get the gang together and then bike to your destination.

Further Destinations

According to the Massachusetts Institute of Technology Climate Portal, public transportation emits far less greenhouse gas emissions compared to cars, due to the higher number of people buses can carry in one trip. On top of saving the environment from additional emissions, you also save yourself a few bucks with the average Amtrak ticket ranging from $20-$400 one-way depending on the distance traveled and how early you book, the price of domestic flight tickets, which are up 14% this year, and bus services such as Greyhound being considerably cheaper than both.

Long Distances

In the cases you find yourself traveling by air, be sure to fly the most direct route to your destination. Not only will this shorten your travel time, but it will also reduce your fuel consumption as you’re taking less total flights.

Once You’ve Arrived

Stay at a Green Hotel or with Family and Friends

If you’re not leaving the United States, check if the hotel you’re planning on staying at is LEED certified by the US Green Business Council, they judge on sustainability, efficiency, and quality of the way buildings are constructed, maintained and operated. If you are going overseas be sure to find out what that countries green hotel certification program is and what hotels are certified.

If you have any family or friends where you’re going, ask them if you can crash at their place for a few nights.

Keep Your Shopping Habits Local

When staying in a place far from home, we tend to cling to things we are familiar with, be it a certain kind of soap or a certain kind of food. Many of these things must be flown or shipped from overseas, which only contributes to greenhouse emissions. Every time you buy local, you not only support the local economy but you also get a unique taste of the local culture and cuisine.

Rethink Souvenirs

For many of us, one of the best parts of traveling is the cool stuff we buy while out globetrotting.When out shopping, ask yourself if you really need that little knick-knack or if a picture of it would suffice. If you still want to shop around, just follow the advice from above and stay local because who wants something made from an assembly line a thousand miles away anyhow?

Getting Around

Though it may be easier to call up an Uber or taxi service to drive you around, the average vehicle still releases about 4.6 metric tons of carbon dioxide per year according to the EPA. As an alternative try renting a bike from either a bike shop or at an automated bike rental stand. Another option would be to take public transportation which reduces the amount of CO2 emitted per person or just walk, eliminating these emissions completely.

Remember that even if you just put into action one of the tips above you will be making a difference and be one step closer to traveling sustainably. Safe travels!

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Author: ilacsd

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.

Drop Off Locations by City

COUNTYWIDE

Community

Dates Available

Drop Off Address

Bonsall

Carlsbad

Coronado

Del Mar

El Cajon

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

Escondido

Imperial Beach

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

Lemon Grove

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

National City

Otay Mesa

Oceanside

Ramona

No Flocked Trees

San Marcos

San Pasqual Valley

No flocked or artificial trees accepted.

Santee

Solana Beach

Valley Center

Vista

CITY OF SAN DIEGO – Drop Off Locations

Community

Dates Available

Drop-off Address

Carmel Valley

Encanto

Golden Hill

Pacific Beach

Logan Heights

Miramar

Mission Bay

Mountain View

Oak Park

Ocean Beach

Otay Mesa / Nestor

Rancho Bernando

Rancho Penasquitos

San Diego State University

Scripps Ranch

Tierrasanta

University City

The holiday season is here! Many communities in San Diego County have options for Christmas tree recycling at your curbside collection and is a great way to help divert your Christmas tree from the landfill following the holiday festivities.

Curbside Hauling Instructions by City

NORTH COUNTY SAN DIEGO

Community

Collection Days

Instructions

Waste Hauler

Carlsbad

Del Mar

Escondido

Encinitas

Oceanside

Solana Beach

Poway

Ramona

San Marcos

Vista

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)

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)

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)

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)

CENTRAL SAN DIEGO

Community

Collection Dates

Instructions

Waste Hauler

Coronado

City of San Diego