Real Christmas trees and wreaths are now collected weekly at the curb on residents’ regular recycling and compost day. With the expansion of citywide curbside composting, residents no longer need to wait for a limited or special tree collection period.
Undecorated real trees—without lights, ornaments, tinsel, stands, or plastic bags—may be placed at the curb alongside other compostable materials. Wreaths should also be undecorated and unbagged.
Collected trees are handled like other compostable materials, including food scraps, food-soiled paper, and yard waste, and are processed into finished compost or renewable energy.
Artificial trees are not compostable. Residents should remove and recycle any metal base or trunk pieces with metal recycling.
NYC Parks will also offer tree recycling through Mulchfest, running from December 26, 2025 through January 11, 2026. Trees dropped off during Mulchfest are chipped into mulch used in parks and green spaces. More information is available at nyc.gov/mulchfest.