How to Recycle Your Christmas Tree

Some people put up their Christmas tree right after Thanksgiving and carefully tend to it to ensure that few needles dry up and litter the living room carpet.

Others tend to wait till the very end and keep their tree way past New Years Eve.

Regardless of where you fall on this spectrum, follow these tips from the City of Mountain View to best dispose of your tree.

Tree Recycling 

Trees will be collected from homes with cart service at no charge between Dec. 26 and Jan. 20.

• Place undecorated green or flocked trees at the curb on your regular recycling day.
• Remove metal stands and cut trees into 5-foot sections (to fit in truck).
• Residential properties with dumpster service (most apartments, certain condos and townhomes) must arrange tree collection service in advance (for a fee). Please do not set out trees in the street. Call Recology at 650-967-3034.

Extra Holiday Recycling for Homes

Extra recycling will be collected from homes on your regular recycling day at no charge between Dec. 26 and Jan. 6:

• Place cans and bottles in one paper bag or small box next to your cart.
• Place mixed paper, newspaper, small cardboard together in another paper bag or small box.
• In the event of rain, please double-bag your recycling.
• Flatten and bundle cardboard pieces (no larger than 3' by 3').