Jan 4, 2024 - News
How to recycle Christmas trees in metro Phoenix
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Illustration: Shoshana Gordon/Axios
Sorry to be a Scrooge, but it's time to say goodbye to your live Christmas trees.
- Most Valley cities have tree recycling programs, and some end as early as this weekend.
Phoenix
- Residents can dispose of up to two live trees or wreaths at 14 parks throughout the city or at the North Gateway or 27th Avenue transfer stations. The city will compost them.
- Drop-offs are allowed during park and transfer station operating hours through Jan. 7.
Mesa
- Residents may drop off their live trees for recycling at five Mesa locations through Jan. 16.
- They can also call 480-644-6789 to schedule a home pickup for a nominal fee.
- Residents who participate in the city's Green Waste Barrel Program can dispose of their trees in the barrel if it fits.
- The city is also accepting lipotted live Christmas trees that are at least 5 feet tall for planting at city parks.
Chandler
- The city will accept tree drop-offs at 11 parks and recycling facilities through Jan. 17.
- Residents may also place their trees at the edge of the driveway before 6am on their scheduled recycling collection day for curbside collection.
- The city plans to chip the trees and reuse them in park landscaping projects.
Gilbert
- Residents can drop-off trees at Sunbelt Rentals through Jan. 6 and at Hetchler and Freestone parks through Jan. 14.
- The town will donate the trees to the Arizona Game and Fish Department, which plans to attach cinder blocks to them and drop them in Roosevelt Lake to improve fish habitats in the reservoir.
- It will also give 10 trees to Goats With Horns Animal Sanctuary, to turn into goat food.
Glendale
- The city will accept trees at five parks, Fire Station No. 156 and Heroes Regional Park Library through Jan. 7
Scottsdale
- Residents can drop off live trees and wreaths at four city parks through Jan. 15.
- They may also place Christmas trees in their green waste pile (separate from bulk trash) for curbside collection during their scheduled service date.
Tempe
- The city will accept live trees through Jan. 30 at the Sky Harbor Regional Transfer Station or the intersection of Hardy Drive and Rio Salado Parkway.
- Residents may also place holiday trees in the green organics pile during their scheduled bulk trash collection week.
Surprise
- All households can drop off up to two live trees at four city parks through Jan. 17.
Goodyear
- Live trees will be accepted at A to Z Equipment Rentals through Jan. 8.
Residents may also leave trees on their curbs during their next bulk trash pickup date.
