Hello, 2024. Now that the holidays have wrapped, you’re probably starting to undeck the halls. We’ve gathered info on how to safely dispose of your holiday decor in San Diego.
🌲 Curbside tree pickup
If you’re a county resident who receives yard waste collection, you might be able to have your real Christmas tree picked up during certain time frames, depending on where you live. Prepare your tree by removing all decorations and lights; if you can, cut your tree in half.
If you have a green bin, you can also cut your real Christmas tree to fit into the container and have it picked up as yard waste.
If you have an artificial tree, it can only be disposed through regular trash service; it must fit into the trash bin with the lid closed for proper collection.
Pro tip: If your artificial tree is in good shape, consider donating it to a local nonprofit like Goodwill or Father Joe’s Villages — you might earn an early spot on the nice list.
🛻 Tree drop-offs
The City of San Diego’s annual Christmas Tree Recycling Program runs through Tuesday, Jan. 23, across 16 drop-off locations accepting real Christmas trees — just be sure to remove all decorations and lights. Check out these drop-off locations across San Diego County, too.
The recycling program turns Christmas trees into compost and mulch for residents to purchase year-round. SD residents can also grab two cubic yards of compost and mulch for free at the Miramar Greenery.
📦 Packaging and decorations
If Santa left you with cardboard boxes, break them down and put them in your blue recycling bin. Some packaging and gift wrapping materials — like bubble wrap, padded mailers, ribbons, bows, tissue paper, twine, and cellophane — can’t be recycled, so consider saving and reusing the items next year.
Learn more about recycling in SD, year-round.