As the holiday season concludes, New Yorkers are encouraged to responsibly dispose of their Christmas trees, whether they are real or artificial. With the expansion of the city’s curbside composting program, residents can now place their real trees and holiday wreaths at the curbside on their designated composting and recycling days. This initiative, as outlined by the NYC Department of Sanitation, aims to simplify the disposal process for city dwellers.
To ensure proper collection, residents must remove all decorations, ornaments, and tree stands before placing their trees out for collection. Additionally, it is important that trees are not wrapped in plastic bags. Once collected, the trees are chipped and mixed with leaves, ultimately being recycled into compost or converted into renewable energy for the city.
For those looking to dispose of artificial trees, the process requires a few extra steps. Residents should remove the metal base and trunk, which can then be placed with other metal recyclables.
Annual Mulchfest Event Offers Alternative Recycling Option
New Yorkers also have the opportunity to participate in the annual Mulchfest event, which provides an alternative means of recycling Christmas trees. This year, the event will take place from December 26, 2025, to January 11, 2026. During this period, residents can transport their trees to designated Mulchfest locations across the city. Here, the trees will be transformed into wood chips that help nourish other trees, contributing to a greener urban environment.
Those who participate in Mulchfest on “Chipping Weekend,” scheduled for January 10 and January 11, will receive a bag of mulch to take home. This mulch can be used in backyards or as winter bedding for street trees, fostering community engagement in maintaining the city’s greenery.
According to NYC Parks, over 52,500 trees were recycled during the previous year’s Mulchfest, demonstrating the community’s commitment to sustainability. For more information on Mulchfest locations and details, residents can visit the NYC Parks website.
Through these programs, New Yorkers can contribute to environmental sustainability while responsibly disposing of their holiday decorations.
