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Don't send your Christmas tree to the landfill. Recycling your Christmas tree is an eco-friendly way to dispose of it after the holiday season. St. Louis Composting offers several convenient options for tree disposal, helping you contribute to a greener environment. Once collected, the trees are processed into nutrient-rich compost and mulch, giving them a second life and keeping valuable organic material out of landfills.
Where to Dispose of Christmas Trees Near You
We make Christmas tree disposal easy by offering nine drop-off locations across the St. Louis area. Whether in St. Louis City, St. Louis County, or Chesterfield, you can find a site close to your home. Use the map below to locate the most convenient drop-off spot. Click here for a list of our locations and hours.
Looking for tree disposal near me? St. Louis Composting has you covered.
What Can Be Recycled?
In addition to Christmas trees, we also accept other organic materials:
Leaves: Drop off clean leaves in paper bags.
Natural Trees: Bring in branches, logs, or trees without decorations.
Pumpkins: Free drop-off for unpainted pumpkins is available seasonally.
Yard Waste: Grass clippings, brush, and clean vegetative yard waste.
Animal Bedding: We accept animal bedding to be composted.
Wood Pallets: We accept unpainted and untreated pallets at select locations.
Wood Chips: We turn tree chips into mulch.
How to Recycle Old Holiday Decor
Looking to recycle other holiday items like artificial trees, wreaths, or broken decorations? We've written a comprehensive guide to holiday recycling options, including where to recycle fake trees, lights, and more. Let's make the season greener together.
Where to Recycle Christmas Lights
Did you know you can also recycle your Christmas lights? Many hardware stores and community programs offer free recycling for old or broken lights. Get paid for your broken Christmas lights and help us reduce landfill waste.
Earthbound Recycling: Get paid 38¢ per pound of lights
Scrap Mart: Get paid 12¢ per pound of lights
Wellston Scrap & Metal: Get paid 10¢ per pound of lights
St. Louis County: Bring your old Christmas lights to Winter Wonderland at Tilles Park November 23, 2024, through January 26, 2025, and the county will recycle them for you!
Where to Recycle Artificial Trees
Give your old tree a new life by donating it to a local thrift store to help provide affordable holiday decorations for families.
Why Recycle Your Christmas Tree?
Natural Christmas trees are biodegradable and can be turned into nutrient-rich mulch or compost. Recycling your tree helps create a sustainable cycle that benefits the environment.
What not to do
Don't send your Christmas tree to the landfill.
Organic materials need oxygen to decompose, but landfills are packed so tightly that when your Christmas tree finally does decompose, it will release methane, a potent greenhouse gas.
Can you burn a Christmas Tree?
Burning your Christmas tree might seem like a quick way to dispose of it, but it has several risks and environmental concerns.
You shouldn't burn your Christmas tree because it's a fire hazard and releases harmful chemicals and smoke, contributing to air pollution. Burning is often illegal in many areas due to safety and environmental concerns.
How to Prepare Your Christmas Tree for Recycling
Before dropping off, make sure to:
Remove all decorations, lights, and tinsel.
Remove any artificial snow.
If transported in a garbage bag, this must be removed before drop off.
FAQ: Christmas Tree Recycling and Disposal
Can I recycle artificial Christmas trees?
We only accept natural trees for recycling. Check local donation centers for artificial tree disposal.
How do you get rid of a live Christmas tree?
After drop-off, we turn your trees into certified organic compost that can be added to gardens, lawns, and flowerbeds.
Is there a fee for tree recycling?
Yes, there is a small $3 fee for tree recycling, which helps cover the costs of turning your tree into compost. This fee ensures that your tree is processed in an environmentally responsible way, keeping it out of the landfill and contributing to healthier soil and greener communities.
By recycling your Christmas tree with St. Louis Composting, you're not only helping reduce waste but also contributing to a more sustainable environment. We offer a variety of services, including composting, mulching, and yard waste disposal, all designed to make recycling easier for you. Interested in learning more about our compost, mulch, and premium soil blends? Visit our website to learn more.
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