After the holiday festivities end, Clark County Public Health urges residents to recycle their Christmas trees, rather than sending them to the landfill.

Before trees are recycled, all lights, tinsel, wire, ornaments and stands must be removed. Flocked and artificial trees cannot be recycled and should be placed in the garbage. 

Waste Connections will pick up trees with yard debris or organics collection or regular garbage service available in most parts of the county. Trees taller than 5 feet must be cut into smaller sections no longer than 5 feet, regardless of whether they will be collected with yard debris, organics, or garbage. 

To recycle trees, Waste Connections customers with yard debris or organics service can:

• Place trees smaller than 5 feet inside the yard debris or organics cart at no extra charge
  
• Place a single tree, cut into sections of 5 feet or less, next to an empty yard debris or organics cart at no extra charge
  
• Place a single tree, cut into sections of 5 feet or less, next to a full yard debris or organics cart for an additional charge
  

Customers who do not have yard debris or organics service can put cut trees next to their garbage containers and pay a fee for an extra 32-gallon collection. Trees collected with garbage will be sent to the landfill and won't be recycled.

 Christmas Tree Drop-off Locations

Residents can also recycle Christmas trees of any size for a small fee (typically $5 or less) at the following locations. Please call before you drive:

Scouts BSA will collect trees for recycling in many areas of Clark County on Saturday, Jan. 8, 2022. The service is free, but donations are accepted. Scout units will distribute door hangers with pick-up instructions and contact information in their designated areas on December 11.​

Help Salmon Habitat 

Recycle your Christmas tree as salmon habitat! Drop it off January 8 or 15, 9 am - 4 pm, in Portland or West Linn. Christmas for Coho volunteers then take the trees to local rivers and strategically place them to help juvenile salmon survive their arduous journey. 2022 DROP OFF LOCATIONS:

• Northwest Fly Fishing Outfitters at 10910 NE Halsey St, Portland
• Old fire station next to Royal Treatment Fly Fishing Shop at 6000 Failing St, West Linn
• Cost is $10 per tree to cover the expense of transporting trees to the rivers. To protect water quality, we cannot accept trees with flocking or tinsel.