UPDATE: New York City has just announced urgent recycling options for residents looking to properly dispose of their Christmas trees. With the recent expansion of the city’s curbside composting program, New Yorkers can now place their real Christmas trees and holiday wreaths out for collection on their regular composting and recycling days.
Residents are urged to act quickly: trees should be set at the curb next to other compostable materials, including food scraps and yard waste. The NYC Department of Sanitation emphasizes that all decorations, ornaments, and stands must be removed prior to collection, and trees should not be wrapped in plastic bags.
Once collected, these trees will be transformed into valuable compost or renewable energy, significantly contributing to the city’s sustainability efforts. This is a crucial opportunity for residents to participate in eco-friendly practices right after the holiday season.
For those disposing of artificial trees, it’s vital to remove the metal base and trunk and recycle those parts separately with metals.
Additionally, New Yorkers can take part in the annual Mulchfest, happening from December 26, 2025, to January 11, 2026. Residents can haul their trees to designated Mulchfest locations across the city, where they will be converted into wood chips that nourish city trees and promote a greener environment.
Participating in Mulchfest on “Chipping Weekend,” which falls on January 10 and January 11, allows residents to take home a bag of mulch for their yards or to create a winter bed for street trees.
Last year, over 52,500 trees were recycled through this initiative, showcasing the community’s commitment to environmental responsibility. To find a Mulchfest location near you, visit the NYC Parks website.
This is a vital moment for New Yorkers to engage in sustainable practices and contribute to the city’s environmental health. Make sure your tree is disposed of properly and consider participating in Mulchfest to help keep the city green!
