Recycle

How to Recycle Your Christmas Tree 2018

Now that we’ve kicked off the new year, it’s time to take down the holly and decorations to make room for our new year’s resolutions.

But what should you do with your Christmas Tree?

If you leave your trees on the curb, they’ll go in the landfill. Not a good choice, since landfills aren’t made to break down materials.

What are other tips to prep your trees for recycling?

  • Trees should be free of all decorations and untied. (Christmas trees with ornaments cannot be recycled.)
  • You’re doing good! Christmas trees present a seasonal addition to the City’s waste stream.  By recycling them and returning them to the earth, we reduce our waste costs and create a valuable resource.

Where to Recycle Your Christmas Tree 2018

The Philadelphia Streets Department DOES city-wide pick-ups on this Saturday, January 6, 2018, and Saturday, January 13, 2018, from 9 AM to 3 PM. Take your trees to the below areas or sanitation convenience centers during this timeframe:

  • 66th & Haverford Ave.
  • American & Thompson St.
  • 1400 Cottman – Pennway & Cottman Ave. (Jardel Rec.)
  • 54th & Woodbine Ave.
  • Graver Lane & Seminole
  • 2901 Princeton Ave. (Mayfair Rec.)
  • 43rd & Powelton Ave.
  • Cathedral & Ridge Ave.
  • 7901 Ridgeway St. (Fox Chase Rec.)
  • 72nd & Buist Ave.
  • Washington Ln. & Ardleigh
  • 8101 Bustleton Ave.
  • Broad & Christian St.
  • Upsal & Lowber St.
  • 2900 Comly Rd. – Palmer Playground
  • 20th & Hartranft St.
  • Fisher & Ogontz Ave.
  • 7231 Torresdale Ave. – Russo Park
  • 15th & Bigler St.
  • 5th & Chelten Ave. (water reservoir)
  • The intersection of Wayne Ave & Logan St.
  • Corinthian & Poplar St.
  • Castor & Foulkrod St.

2018 Civic Association Christmas Tree Recycling

Christmas tree drop-off is also offered by many neighborhood organizations and civic associations as outlined below:

SATURDAY, JANUARY 6, 2018

  • Columbus Square Park, at 13th and Reed St (9:30a – 2p) Sponsored by Passyunk Square Civic Association*
  • Kensington CAPA High School parking lot, at Palmer and Front St (10a – 1p ) Sponsored by NKCDC and Palmer Doggie Depot*
  • Palazzo (Former Boy Scout Building), at 22nd and Spring St (9:30a – 12:30p) Sponsored by Logan Square Neighborhood Association*
  • Clark Park (corner of 43rd & Chester Ave) 10a – 4p,  Sponsored by UC Green*
  • Cione Recreation Center at Aramingo and Lehigh Ave (12p – 3p) Sponsored by Olde Richmond Civic Association
  • Corner of 22nd and Brown Streets (10a – 4p ) Sponsored by Friends of Eastern State Penitentiary Park*

SUNDAY, JANUARY 7, 2018

  • Gabbie’s Garden, parking lot on 7100 block of Chew Ave, 19119 (1p – 4p) Sponsored by East Mt. Airy Neighbors (EMAN)*
  • Sunset Ave at Norwood Fontbonne Academy (9:30a -12:30p) Sponsored by Green in Chestnut Hill (GRINCH) and Weavers Way Environment Committee*

Location asks for a donation per tree.

Want curbside tree recycling pickup?

You can have that, but for a fee.

Our fav composters, Sign up for the service here, is offering Christmas Tree Recycling for $15 and will bring it to a nonprofit farm partner for mulch and composting. Sign up for the service here.

Julie Hancher

Julie Hancher is the co-founder and Executive Director of Green Philly, an independent media organization making sustainability accessible, affordable and actionable. Since launching Green Philly in 2008, she has grown it from a passion project into a leading voice for local climate storytelling, pairing impactful journalism with community events and experiences. Julie is a frequent speaker on climate, media innovation and the future of local journalism, and is the creator of SustainPHL and EcoFair. Outside of Green Philly, you can find her hiking, biking, traveling, or exploring Philadelphia.

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