Recycle Your Christmas Tree: Compost, Mulch, or Fuel

Only 10% Get Recycled—Let's Improve That

Real trees beat plastic for scent and tradition. Post-holiday, they're a resource—not waste.

Best Uses

• Firewood: Chop and burn in stove/fireplace (if you have one).
• Compost: Shred first (rent a chipper or hand-cut). Adds carbon; breaks down slowly. Use a bin for tidiness.
• Mulch: Chipped needles/branches protect beds and paths.
• Kitchen scraps: Add holiday vegetable trimmings to compost.

Tips

• Remove all decorations, tinsel, and stands.
• Community drop-off programs often chip trees for municipal mulch.
• Never burn in fireplace if tree was treated with fire retardant.

Give your tree a second life—it's the greenest holiday tradition.