How and Where to Recycle Real Christmas Trees 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. 15, 2021) – Cut or living Christmas trees are more environmentally friendly than plastic trees. Selecting the real deal reduces the use of toxic materials and fossil fuels to produce their lifelike counterparts. Moreover, real trees can be returned to the earth as mulch or through composting, which returns valuable nutrients to the earth, reduces landfill space and greenhouse gas emissions.

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 2021 listing for curbside and drop-off locations in the region.

According to the EPA, organic materials like Christmas trees, food, and yard clippings are the number one material sent to landfills, composing two-thirds of the solid waste stream. In California, state law (SB 1383) is here to change that. It will require the recycling of Christmas trees as well as other organic waste-food scraps, food-soiled paper, yard trimmings and non-hazardous wood waste (i.e. lumber, pallets, etc.). To learn more, contact your local city or county and/or waste and recycling hauler about organic waste recycling in your area.

Before a tree is turned into mulch or composted, follow some simple tips to ensure they can be fully 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.

Watershed Warriors: Valley Center Community Cleanup

Watershed Warriors

Join I Love A Clean San Diego and the County of San Diego for a litter cleanup in Valley Center! We will divert litter from traveling through the San Luis Rey watershed.

You can participate in this cleanup in 2 ways: In-person with us at our meeting location, or remotely in your neighborhood. Here are some ground rules:

In-Person Cleanups: Our staff will be set-up with a check-in table, disposable supplies, and plenty of hand sanitizer at this cleanup meeting location (see address in Shift #1).

  • Join us there at 9am for a brief kick-off, sign a liability waiver, grab some disposable supplies, and help us clean up the area!
  • We can sort, weigh, and dispose of the litter you collect, and when you are finished you can request a Letter of Appreciation through your Community Hub dashboard.
  • Our in-person cleanups are limited to 25 volunteers, and we ask that you give other volunteers 6+ ft. of space and wear a mask if you are unvaccinated.

You can sign up for the in-person cleanup below in Shift #1. Please register to receive important preparation details via e-mail.

Remote Cleanups: If you are not able to join us in-person, join us remotely! Pick-up litter around your neighborhood Saturday morning and report your totals online.

  • When you sign-up we will e-mail you resources so you can watch our kick-off video before you start your cleanup. Grab some reusable gloves and a bucket from around your house and go for a walk somewhere you want to make an impact.
  • Invite some friends to make it a neighborhood effort, and sort and dispose of litter in your household bins. Take a few photos and write down your litter totals.
  • When you are all done, report your litter totals in our Volunteer Impact Map so we can verify your service, and go to your Community Hub dashboard to receive a Letter of Appreciation.
  • Please give other volunteers 6+ ft. of space and wear a mask if you are unvaccinated.

You can sign up for the remote cleanup below in Shift #2. Please register to receive important preparation details via e-mail.

DISCLAIMER: By participating in a cleanup, you agree I Love A Clean San Diego is NOT responsible for any injury suffered and you waive any claim arising from participation in the event.

I agree to read and follow all of the safety protocols for this event.

Watershed Warriors: Ramona Community Cleanup

Watershed Warriors

Join I Love A Clean San Diego and the County of San Diego for a virtually-hosted litter cleanup in the Ramona community! We will pick-up litter from the community and divert it from the San Dieguito watershed and Pacific Ocean.

These cleanups are currently virtually-hosted; we are not gathering or meeting in a specific location to clean up as a group. Instead, you can do a fun and flexible cleanup on your terms. If you choose to join us physically in this community, we will have a staging table in the community. You can stop by to say hi and grab some disposable supplies, and clean up nearby.

Invite your neighbors and practice social distancing. Bring a bucket and gardening gloves from home, and wear your face-covering. You can make this cleanup zero-waste by using your own supplies!

Watch the kick-off video you get in your e-mail, then clean up in the target community or around your own neighborhood and use your household cans for disposal. Afterwards, log your totals and request a Letter of Appreciation for your service – it’s that easy!

Register now to receive e-mail resources and event details.

DISCLAIMER: By participating in a cleanup, you agree I Love A Clean San Diego is NOT responsible for any injury suffered and you waive any claim arising from participation in the event.
I agree to read and follow all of the safety protocols for this event.

 

Watershed Warriors: Lakeside Community Cleanup

Watershed Warriors

Join I Love A Clean San Diego and the County of San Diego for a virtually-hosted litter cleanup in the Lakeside community! We will pick-up litter from the community and divert it from the San Diego River watershed and Pacific Ocean.

These cleanups are currently virtually-hosted; we are not gathering or meeting in a specific location to clean up as a group. Instead, you can do a fun and flexible cleanup on your terms. If you choose to join us physically in this community, we will have a staging table in the community. You can stop by to say hi and grab some disposable supplies, and clean up nearby.

Invite your neighbors and practice social distancing. Bring a bucket and gardening gloves from home, and wear your face-covering. You can make this cleanup zero-waste by using your own supplies!

Watch the kick-off video you get in your e-mail, then clean up in the target community or around your own neighborhood and use your household cans for disposal. Afterwards, log your totals and request a Letter of Appreciation for your service – it’s that easy!

Register now to receive e-mail resources and event details.

DISCLAIMER: By participating in a cleanup, you agree I Love A Clean San Diego is NOT responsible for any injury suffered and you waive any claim arising from participation in the event.
I agree to read and follow all of the safety protocols for this event.

Watershed Warriors: Rancho San Diego Community Cleanup

Watershed Warriors

Join I Love A Clean San Diego and the County of San Diego for a virtually-hosted litter cleanup in the Rancho San Diego community! We will pick-up litter from the community and divert it from the San Diego Bay watershed and Pacific Ocean.

These cleanups are currently virtually-hosted; we are not gathering or meeting in a specific location to clean up as a group. Instead, you can do a fun and flexible cleanup on your terms. If you choose to join us physically in this community, we will have a staging table in the community. You can stop by to say hi and grab some disposable supplies, and clean up nearby.

Invite your neighbors and practice social distancing. Bring a bucket and gardening gloves from home, and wear your face-covering. You can make this cleanup zero-waste by using your own supplies!

Watch the kick-off video you get in your e-mail, then clean up in the target community or around your own neighborhood and use your household cans for disposal. Afterwards, log your totals and request a Letter of Appreciation for your service – it’s that easy!

Register now to receive e-mail resources and event details.

DISCLAIMER: By participating in a cleanup, you agree I Love A Clean San Diego is NOT responsible for any injury suffered and you waive any claim arising from participation in the event.
I agree to read and follow all of the safety protocols for this event.

Student and Youth Engagement in Environmental Stewardship

Youth Environmental Stewardship

Student and Youth Engagement in Environmental Stewardship

How small actions taken by youth can lead to some big changes.

San Diego County is home to many unique species of plants and animals that all contribute to its biodiversity. However, this special attribute that makes our region a wonderful place to live and visit is at risk.

Did you know San Diego County is located within a biodiversity hotspot?

A biodiversity hotspot is an area with globally unique animals and plants but has suffered massive habitat loss and is now an area of high concern. San Diego County’s youth have a unique opportunity to participate in environmental stewardship opportunities and help mitigate these negative changes. Environmental stewardship is the responsible use and protection of the natural environment through conservation and sustainable practices. Volunteering for environmental stewardship projects has many benefits including acquiring community service hours that can be applied for graduation, psychological benefits, and developing a “sense of place.”

Community Service Hours

In many cases, students must complete a number of community service hours to graduate high school. The specific number of hours is determined by individual districts. If you or a student of yours is looking to earn community service by participating in an environmental stewardship project, here are a few things to make sure you have ready:

  • Locate a project location that works for you.
  • Check if there are any age or equipment requirements.
  • On the day of the event, bring a paper from your school for the person in charge to sign (usually can be obtained from the school’s counseling department).
  • Take pictures of the event and have a good time!

Psychological Benefits

You may be familiar with the benefits of being outdoors, but volunteering outside has even more! Here are some of the many psychological and social benefits to volunteering:

Sense of Place

Volunteering increases a person’s sense of place which is the feeling of being connected to your community. Developing a “sense of place” is important for everyone but is also very beneficial for youth. Students who increase their “sense of place” have increased self-efficacy, increased awareness of climate change, and have more pro-environmental behaviors.

Other Types of Environmental Stewardship

There are many types of environmental stewardship and ways that anyone can become involved. Simple everyday choices that reduce our carbon footprint can make a big difference. Examples include:

  • Reduce, Reuse, Repurpose and Upcycle (also known as the 4 Rs of waste hierarchy)
  • Composting
  • Walk or take public transportation
  • Carry a reusable straw, shopping bag or water bottle

Where Do I Go to Volunteer?

You can always check I Love a Clean San Diego County’s volunteer page to see what events are happening.

Want to help I Love A Clean San Diego remove 30,000 pounds of litter in one day? If so, please join us during Earth Week on April 24th from 9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. for the Creek to Bay Clean Up.
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Jessica Ullyott is a graduate student with the Miami University, OH in partnership with San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance. She is working to complete her master’s degree in biology with an emphasis in teaching. Her mission statement is: “Work to foster environmental stewardship in students through inquiry-based education and active participation because we all play a role in habitat conservation.”

Love Fore San Diego Zero Waste Golf Tournament June 25, 2021

Love Fore San Diego

I Love A Clean San Diego to Bring Zero Waste Golf Tournament to San Diego County on June 25, 2021

A party on the course or the love of the game for the love of a cleaner San Diego. Online registration and corporate partnership opportunities are now available at cleansd.org.

San Diego County’s longest running nonprofit dedicated to clean communities and zero waste today announces it will host the first zero waste golf tournament in San Diego County at Riverwalk Golf Club on Friday, June 25, 2021. Titled the Love Fore San Diego Zero Waste Golf Tournament, the event is now open for online golfer registration and corporate partnership opportunities available at CleanSD.org.

More Than a Fundraiser

The Love Fore San Diego Zero Waste Golf Tournament is more than a fundraiser for I Love A Clean San Diego County (501c3), it is a move by the organization to demonstrate how zero waste events can be produced without leaving a trace on the environment, while making events fun and educational. 

“People come from around the world to visit our region and play on its many outstanding golf courses, so we’re excited to create this unique opportunity for local players and those who are visiting,” said Keith Riggio, board member and tournament chairperson for I Love A Clean San Diego. “We want people to come enjoy and see that the zero waste effort supporting the tournament enhances their experience. We can all be part of the solution on and off the green.”

Inspired Nationally, Planned Locally

When planning for its event, organizers were inspired by the zero waste efforts of the PGA’s Phoenix Open. I Love A Clean San Diego’s board decided its mission would directly influence a regional golf tournament for the recreational player.

“Refuse, Reduce, and Recycle are the elements we will incorporate through our expertise to ensure nothing goes to the landfill,” said Len Hering, executive director of I Love A Clean San Diego. “In addition, the event and every participant’s carbon footprint will be offset through a certified carbon offset program.”

Sign up and Support

Online registration and corporate partnership opportunities are now available at event website. Most sponsorships include a foursome, but players can sign up now as singles, twosomes and foursomes.

In the coming years, I Love A Clean San Diego plans to host the tournament at other venues throughout the county to demonstrate the zero-waste event model can be done anywhere and showcase the region’s best championship golf courses for players of all skill levels.

Since 1954, I Love A Clean San Diego and its volunteer corps have been responsible for cleaning over 8.5 million pounds of litter from San Diego County’s streets, parks, canyons, beaches and other open spaces. Through education, it has also helped tens of thousands of people reduce their impact on the environment. Now entering its 67th year, the organization is doubling down on its commitment to zero waste engagement and education.

Contact for Corporate Partnerships

Please contact Ian Monahan by calling 619.795.5806.

About I Love A Clean San Diego County 

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, public resources and impactful volunteer cleanup and beautification programs aimed at nature conservation, recycling and zero waste living. As the region’s most influential advocate for sustainability, I Love A Clean San Diego hosts over 900 workshops and 600 community cleanups, which are responsible for clearing over 300,000 pounds of pollution from the region each year. Through service to nearly 100,000 people each year, I Love A Clean dedicated to empowering every person to be leaders in conservation and waste-free living to protect and improve the health of the home we love. 

Watershed Warriors: Spring Valley Community Cleanup

Join I Love A Clean San Diego and the County of San Diego for a virtually-hosted litter cleanup in the Spring Valley community! We will pick-up litter from the community and divert it from the San Diego Bay watershed and Pacific Ocean.

These cleanups are currently virtually-hosted; we are not gathering or meeting in a specific location. Instead, you can do a fun and flexible cleanup on your terms. While we are targeting this specific community, you are welcome to clean up wherever and with whomever you feel comfortable.

Invite your neighbors and practice social distancing. Bring a bucket and gardening gloves from home, and wear your face-covering. You can make this cleanup zero-waste by using your own supplies!

Watch the kick-off video you get in your e-mail, then clean up in the neighborhood and use your household cans for disposal. Afterwards, log your totals and request a Letter of Appreciation for your service – it’s that easy!

Register now to receive e-mail resources and event details.

Watershed Warriors: Casa De Oro Community Cleanup

Join I Love A Clean San Diego and the County of San Diego for a virtually-hosted litter cleanup in the Casa De Oro community! We will pick-up litter from the community and divert it from the San Diego Bay watershed and Pacific Ocean.

These cleanups are currently virtually-hosted; we are not gathering or meeting in a specific location. Instead, you can do a fun and flexible cleanup on your terms. While we are targeting this specific community, you are welcome to clean up wherever and with whomever you feel comfortable.

Invite your neighbors and practice social distancing. Bring a bucket and gardening gloves from home, and wear your face-covering. You can make this cleanup zero-waste by using your own supplies!

Watch the kick-off video you get in your e-mail, then clean up in the neighborhood and use your household cans for disposal. Afterwards, log your totals and request a Letter of Appreciation for your service – it’s that easy!

Register now to receive e-mail resources and event details.

Watershed Warriors: Bancroft Point Community Cleanup

Join I Love A Clean San Diego and the County of San Diego for a virtually-hosted litter cleanup in the Bancroft Point community! We will pick-up litter from the community and divert it from the San Diego Bay watershed and Pacific Ocean.

These cleanups are currently virtually-hosted; we are not gathering or meeting in a specific location. Instead, you can do a fun and flexible cleanup on your terms. While we are targeting this specific community, you are welcome to clean up wherever and with whomever you feel comfortable.

Invite your neighbors and practice social distancing. Bring a bucket and gardening gloves from home, and wear your face-covering. You can make this cleanup zero-waste by using your own supplies!

Watch the kick-off video you get in your e-mail, then clean up in the neighborhood and use your household cans for disposal. Afterwards, log your totals and request a Letter of Appreciation for your service – it’s that easy!

Register now to receive e-mail resources and event details.