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.
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.
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.
| Organization | Drop-off location | Drop-off dates and times | Donation amount |
|---|---|---|---|
| East Mt. Airy Neighbors | Historic Upsala Mansion, 6430 Germantown Ave. | Sunday, Jan. 2, 2022 12:30 p.m.–3:30 p.m. | $5.00 |
| South Philly Green | Guerin Recreation Center, 16th and Wolf Streets | Sunday, Jan. 2, 2022 12 p.m.–3 p.m. | $5.00 |
| Passyunk Square Civic Association | Columbus Square Park, corner of 13th and Wharton | Saturday, Jan. 8, 2022 9 a.m.–3 p.m. | $5.00 |
| Lower Moyamensing Civic Association (LoMo) | South Philadelphia High School parking lot, 2101 S. Broad St. | Saturday, Jan. 8, 2022 9 a.m.–12 p.m. and Sunday, Jan. 9, 2022 12 p.m.–3 p.m. | $5.00 |
| UC Green | Clark Park, near 43rd and Chester | Saturday, Jan. 8, 2022 10 a.m.–12 p.m. | $6–$20 |
| UC Green | Malcolm X Park at Baltimore Ave. | Saturday, Jan. 8, 2022 12 p.m.–2 p.m. | $6–$20 |
| Philly Goat Project | The Farm at Awbury Arboretum, 6336 Ardleigh St. (at Duval) | Saturdays, Jan. 8. and Jan. 22, 2022 12 p.m.–3 p.m. (rain dates: Sundays, Jan. 9 and Jan. 23) | $20.00 |
| South Philly Green | Manton Green, 17th and Manton Streets | Sunday, Jan. 9, 2022 9 a.m.–3 p.m. | $5.00 |
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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