UPDATE: New York City residents can now dispose of their Christmas trees more easily than ever! Following the expansion of the city’s curbside composting program, residents no longer need to wait for designated disposal days.
According to the NYC Department of Sanitation, New Yorkers can place their real Christmas trees and holiday wreaths at the curb during their regular composting and recycling collection days. Trees must be set out alongside other compostable materials like food scraps and yard waste, ensuring a sustainable disposal method.
Before placing the trees out for collection, residents must remove all decorations, ornaments, and stands. It is crucial that trees are not wrapped in plastic bags. Once collected, these trees are processed into compost or transformed into renewable energy, contributing to a greener New York City.
For those with artificial trees, authorities recommend dismantling them by removing the metal base and trunk, which should then be placed with other metal recycling.
Additionally, New Yorkers can join the city’s annual Mulchfest event to recycle their trees. Residents can bring their trees to designated Mulchfest locations across the city from December 26, 2025, to January 11, 2026. During this event, trees are converted into wood chips that will nourish urban greenery.
Participating in Mulchfest on “Chipping Weekend,” set for January 10 and 11, 2026, allows residents to take home a bag of mulch that can be used in their backyards or to create a winter bed for street trees.
Last year, over 52,500 trees were recycled through this initiative, showcasing the community’s commitment to environmental sustainability.
For more details on Mulchfest locations and guidelines, visit the NYC Parks website. This is an excellent opportunity for New Yorkers to engage in eco-friendly practices while giving back to their city.
Stay tuned for more updates as the city continues to promote sustainable waste management and environmental responsibility!
