If you put up a live tree for the holidays, the city has some recycling options for you. Here’s the info from the city’s Department of Public Works: you can drop off your tree at two of the city’s trash transfer stations, and they’ll also be picking them up on your regularly scheduled recycling days. Make sure to take off all ornaments and tinsel and don’t bag the trees.
If you aren’t served by the city’s pickup (such as you’re in a condo or apartment building) you’ll need to either drop them off or contact your building management or the trash company.
The city also gives our free compost at the Fort Totten station: read on.
How to Recycle Your Christmas Tree in DC
DPW Provides Residents with 2 Convenient Options for Recycling Their Holiday Trees and Greenery
(WASHINGTON, DC) With the holiday season coming to a close over the next several weeks, thousands of DC residents will be looking for an environmentally friendly way to dispose of their holiday trees and greenery. The DC Department of Public Works (DPW) is pleased to provide District residents with two easy options for having their cut holiday trees and greenery recycled (no artificial trees).
“The District is committed to waste reduction year-round, including the holiday season,” said DPW Director Christopher Shorter. “These two options ensure residents can dispose of their holiday trees and greenery in an environmentally friendly and convenient way.”
The first option is for residents to bring their trees and greenery, free of charge, to either of the District’s transfer stations. The Fort Totten Transfer Station is located at 4900 John F. McCormack Drive, NE, and the Benning Road Transfer Station is located at 3200 Benning Road, NE.
The second option, also free of charge, is for residents to put their trees and greenery out where their trash and recycling is collected between January 13 and February 2. These items will be collected on residents’ regularly scheduled recycling days during this period. This collection service is only available to residents who are serviced by DPW. DPW collects trash and recyclables from single-family homes and apartment/condo buildings with three or fewer living units.
Regardless of which option residents choose, all ornaments and lights should be removed from the tree. Residents are also asked not to bag their trees or greenery.
In fiscal year 2017, 327.25 tons of holiday trees were collected and composted by DPW in the District. As a reminder, DPW provides DC residents with up to five 32-gallon bags (bring your own bags) of free compost weekdays, 1 pm to 5 pm, and Saturdays 8 am to 3 pm, at the Fort Totten Transfer Station.
DPW provides essential city services in two distinct program areas: environmental services/solid waste management and parking enforcement. Both contribute to making District streets and public spaces clean, safe, attractive and accessible for all residents, businesses, commuters and visitors.
