Green Blog
When It's Time to Un-deck the Halls: Tree Recycling Options
Reduce the amount of waste you send to the landfill—recycle your natural tree to be chipped into mulch! Use this Clark County tree recycling guide to properly dispose of your tree after the holidays.
Remove all decorations
Choose a recycling method
Yard Debris or Organics Cart
- Cut tree into sections of up to 5 feet and put it inside or next to your yard debris or organics cart.
- There is an extra fee if the tree is in addition to your full cart.
Scouts BSA Pickup
- Put whole tree at the curb on the first Saturday of January for Scouts BSA to pick up—donations welcome.
- Fliers will be distributed in neighborhoods where pickup is available.
- Head to scouttreerecycling.com for more information.
Self-haul
Search for "Christmas Trees" at recyclingdoneright.org or use the RecycleRight app for addresses and hours.
Drop off for a fee (under $5):
- Central Transfer Recycling
- City Bark
- H&H Wood Recyclers
- West Van Materials Recovery
- McFarlane's Bark
- Triangle Resources
Upcycle your tree!
Instead of throwing away your pine, fir, or spruce, join Clark County Green Neighbors in exploring all of the wonderful ways to repurpose trees after the holidays.
Make mulch and compost: Remove decorations and cut the trunk and branches into small pieces for compost. Use pine needles as mulch.
Provide garden insulation: Use branches to cover plants for natural insulation, which will also enrich the soil.
Repurpose for crafts and gifts: Strip green needles for natural air fresheners. Slice the trunk into coasters or use it as garden stakes. Make scent sachets, coasters, or wooden signposts.
Replant or provide shelter: Replant a tree with roots or secure cut trees in the yard for temporary wildlife shelter. Consider adding bird feeders throughout.
When to trash it instead
- Flocked trees cannot be recycled. Cut into sections of up to 5 feet and put it inside or next to your garbage cart.
- There is an extra fee if the tree is in addition to your full cart.
Download printable tree recycling flyer
Questions?
- Email info@clarkgreenneighbors.org
- For residential recycling and garbage rates, visit wcnorthwest.com/residential-rates
Clark County solid waste planning and programs are a cooperative effort of Clark County, Battle Ground, Camas, La Center, Ridgefield, Vancouver, Washougal and Yacolt.
