Don’t put your Christmas tree on the curb so it can sit in a landfill forever. Here’s better options.

The debate over live versus fake Christmas trees factors in what you do with them once you’re finished unwrapping the gifts and celebrating the holidays.

Christmas trees left to the curb on trash day end up in the landfill (where they’ll take up space and release CO2) or be incinerated.

Good news for you: there are SO many great options in the city to ensure your tree’s demise has less impact on the environment.

Where to Recycle Christmas Trees in Philadelphia for the 2021-2022 season

Minimal effort: Have your tree picked-up & recycled from your home

Don’t want to drag your tree to a drop-off site?

Circle Compost offers Christmas Tree Recycling for $20.00 on the weekends of January 2nd, January 8th & January 15th. You must schedule your pickup from their website.

Bennett Compost offers the same weekends for $20.

Drop off your tree to Community & Neighborhood groups: January 2022 collection events

Want to drop-off your tree with a local effort? These options range from neighborhood groups to having goats eat your leftover trees.

Local neighborhood groups and nonprofits will recycle Christmas trees. Double-check the group’s social media channels or websites in case of weather delays or additional information.

Drop off your Christmas Tree at a Streets site

The City’s Department of Streets offers drop-off locations throughout Philadelphia or at a sanitation convenience center between January 3rd through 15th. These trees will be sent to a vendor, chipped and composted.

Make sure to check the map for specific information – drop-offs tend to be on specific days, sanitation centers are everyday except Sundays.

Cover photo: Philly Goat Project by Love Me Do Photography

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Julie Hancher is Editor-in-Chief of Green Philly, sharing her expertise of all things sustainable in the city of brotherly love. She enjoys long walks in the park with local beer and greening her travels, cooking & cat, Sir Floofus Drake. View all posts by Julie Hancher