Holiday Recycling Program

The holiday season is one of the best times of year to recycle more. From presents to parties, there is a wealth of material to recycle. And by diverting tons and tons of valuable recyclable materials from the landfill, you’re helping the City reach its 90% zero waste and litter-free goal and making Philly more sustainable for all. Please remember that plastic bags are not recyclable curbside. Please check local grocery stores and retailers for returning unused plastic bags.

From presents to parties, there is a wealth of material to recycle. Click the link below to see what materials can go IN and OUT of your bin this season.

Christmas Tree Recycling Program

The program will run for two weeks from Monday, January 6, 2020 through Saturday, January 18, 2020. Residents may drop off their trees for recycling starting Monday, January 6th at any of the following Streets Department Sanitation Convenience Centers Monday through Saturday from 8:00 am to 6:00 pm:

For Sanitation Convenience Center details, CLICK HERE

Saturday drop-off locations

The Streets Department is pleased to announce there will also be Christmas tree drop off sites located throughout the city at 13 designated locations only on Saturday, January 11 and Saturday, January 18 from 9am to 3pm. To find the location nearest to you,  CLICK HERE

Christmas trees brought to these sites should be free of all decorations and ornaments, and untied. 

Please remember to remove metal bases, lights and ornaments before dropping off your tree. These types of materials get tangled in the machine and put our reclycing workers in danger.

What happens to the recycled Christmas trees? 

There will be no curbside collection of Christmas trees for recycling purposes. For those households that cannot participate in the recycling program, trees placed at the curb will be picked up on regularly scheduled collection day as trash.

As always, the program is for citizens who receive City collected trash and recycling services. Vendors are responsible for making arrangements for the private disposal of their discarded trees.

Citizens who require additional information regarding the Christmas Tree Recycling Program may contact 3-1-1.

What Else Can I Do with My Tree?

• Residents may purchase potted trees and plant them after the holidays.

• Small pine limbs and needles are good winter mulch material for sensitive plants.

• Trees can also become backyard compost.

• Trees should not be burned in a fireplace. The sap from the tree creates foul odors and can coat the chimney with creosote which can cause a fire.

• Civic associations often offer additional drop-off locations. Check with your local civic association on their Christmas tree recycling programs.