By now your cut live Christmas tree has done its duty. It’s time dispose of it responsibly before it becomes a fire hazard. And the responsible way to dispose of a tree is to recycle it.
Fortunately, Denver-area residents have several options.
Regardless of how you choose to recycle your tree, all lights, ornaments and tree stands must be removed. That doesn’t mean that lights you no longer want or need can’t be recycled, too.
Curbside Recycling
Denver Waste Management offers free curbside pickup of natural Christmas trees through mid-January on regular trash pickup days. The trees must be placed at least two feet away from collection carts, structures, and other obstacles. Don’t place trees inside bags or collection carts.
Dropoff Recycling
Trees may also be dropped off at one of two Treecycle drop-off sites, open through January 31.
Denver Recycles offers drop-off recycling of natural Christmas trees at their Cherry Creek and Havana Street recycling centers through the end of January. Treecycle is a seasonal program offered by Denver Recycles that turns discarded holiday trees into mulch. Free Treecycle mulch is made available to Denver residents at a Mulch Giveaway & Compost Sale in May.
The Treecycle program is for Denver residents only, but many suburban localities and private collection services offer similar programs. Search online for services in your area.
Full details on the Denver program are available on the Treecycle website.
Recycle Your Lights
Broken, burned-out or unwanted sets of holiday lights can be recycled by Denver residents at the Cherry Creek Recycling Drop-off located at S. Quebec St. and E. Cherry Creek South Drive from November 20, 2018 to January 19, 2019.
Incandescent, LED, and “icicle” light strings, along with wires and attached bulbs are accepted for recycling. Sorry, no bubble (liquid-filled) or neon lights accepted. All packaging material must be removed from the light strands prior to recycling.
For more information contact Denver Recycles at 311 (720-913-1311) or visit DenverGov.org/DenverRecycles. Check your local government website for programs in other areas.
Year-Round Recycling
Besides regular curbside recycling, Denver and other jurisdictions offer ongoing and seasonal recycling programs throughout the year. For more information, visit the Denver Recycles website or look online for similar programs in your area.
Donovan Arborists is committed to maintaining and protecting Colorado’s natural beauty and health in accordance with the best practices of urban forestry. We use environmentally friendly practices including optional onsite mulching of trimmed or fallen branches to create optimal outdoor environments for you and your plants to thrive.
We’re always happy to give free estimates to homeowners and property managers for any services they may need.
