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Map: Where to recycle your Christmas tree in Phoenix

Phoenix offers 16 drop-off locations where you can unload your Christmas tree. Here’s what to know about the program.
Image: christmas trees in a metal bin
Phoenix residents can recycle their trees at one of 16 city-provided sites. Billy H.C. Kwok/Getty Images

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With the holiday season coming to a close, Christmas decorations are coming down in Phoenix. Residents are dumping ripped-up wrapping paper in trash bags and filling storage bins with snow globes, nutcrackers and boxes of ornaments.

But what do you do with that Christmas tree?

If you have a real tree, the city of Phoenix makes tree disposal easier. Residents can drop off their trees and wreaths for disposal at dozens of locations across the Valley.

Here’s what you should know.

What can you drop off at Phoenix tree recycling sites?

Through Phoenix’s Public Works Department, residents can dispose of live Christmas trees and wreaths.

Only live trees and wreaths are accepted. They must be unbagged, with decorations, lights and tinsel removed. Any nails, metal stakes or tree stands also should be removed, and materials that are used to tie down the trees should be be able to be easily untied or cut.

The greenery will then be composted at the city’s compost facility.

Where can you drop off Christmas trees in Phoenix?

There are 16 drop-off locations — including 14 parks — in north, central and south Phoenix where residents can dispose of up to two live trees in marked drop-off areas.


If you wish to dispose of more than two trees, you can do so bringing the trees to one of the city's two transfer stations. A city services bill and matching photo ID are required in order to drop off trees at these locations. As a part of Phoenix’s one-free-load-per-month program, residents can dispose of up to one ton of materials — or in this case, three trees.

When can you drop off Christmas trees in Phoenix?

Trees or wreaths can be dropped off during regular business hours at any of the participating Phoenix parks. The majority of parks are open from 5:30 a.m. to approximately 11 p.m. However, some open later or close earlier. Check online beforehand.

The city program began on Dec. 26. The last day for tree drop-off is Jan. 7.

Are there any other options to recycle Christmas trees?

More labor-intensive options include cutting up the tree and composting it or using it for mulch. Home Depot also provides free tree recycling. To find out if your local store offers this service, just call in ahead of time and ask.