Michigan: Where and How to Recycle Your Christmas Tree After the Holidays January 2024

Where and How to Recycle or Dispose of Christmas Trees in Michigan after Christmas 2023 and in January 2024

In many urban and suburban areas, Christmas trees are collected from curbside during the first 2 weeks in January. Be sure to remove all remove all lights, wire, tinsel, ornaments, nails, stands, other NON-Organic decorative materials and other materials that are not part of the original tree. This includes tree stands also. Flocked trees are usually accepted, but not artificial trees. Large trees (larger than the standard 6 - 7 ft tree) may need to be cut in half to be acceptable by your garbage hauler. But scrroll down this page for more specific information and local links.

What happens to the trees? In most cases, the trees are chipped and made into a mulch which is usually made available, free to city or county residents. Important: Never burn your Christmas tree in a fireplace or wood stove. Burning the tree may contribute to creosote buildup and could cause a chimney fire.

Tips: Always follow the links (usually the name of the city or county) below for updated information, as these agencies often wait until the last minute to change dates or update their information (it's government, remember?). If your area is not specifically mentioned below, contact your trash collection agency and inquire!

Related information:

See this page for local options to easily recycle your Christmas holiday lights

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Michigan: Where and How to Recycle Your Christmas Tree After the Holidays January 2024

• Ann Arbor, Michigan- The City of Ann Arbor provides residents with four free drop off locations for undecorated Christmas trees (from mid-December (yes, oddly BEFORE Christmas), through January 31st. All tree stands, nails, ornaments, tinsel and plastic bags must be removed from the trees and discarded before leaving at these sites. Once again the parking lot adjacent to the Drop-Off Station at 2950 E. Ellsworth near Platt Road will be available for 24/7 Christmas tree drop off. Three park locations are also available to provide more local tree recycling options for city residents. The collected trees will be chipped on a regular basis at the park sites. The park locations include:
  West Park parking lot off Chapin near West Huron, 6 am to 10 pm
  Gallup boat launch parking lot, use entrance on the so utheast side of Geddes Road, east of Huron Parkway, 6 am to 10 pm
  Olson Park parking lot, 1515 Dhu Varren Road, near Pontiac Trail, 6 am to 10 pm
  After January 31, Christmas trees must be cut, bundled and saved until the city's compost collection service resumes in April or be delivered for a fee to the Drop-Off Station, 2950 E. Ellsworth during normal operating hours, 8:30 am to 6:30 pm, Tuesday and Thursday, and 9 am to 6 pm on Saturday.
  ​All tree stands, nails, ornaments, tinsel and plastic bags must be removed from the trees and discarded. The collected evergreens are chipped into mulch or composted. Any metal, glass or plastic ornaments left on the tree can ruin the processing equipment, harm the operators, and spoil the landscaping mulch. ​ Since wreaths and evergreen roping are generally made with wire or plastic backing, these items should be placed inside trash carts.
  On February 1st all drop-off locations will be closed and Christmas trees must be cut, bundled and saved until the city's compost collection service resumes in April or be delivered to the Drop-Off Station, 2950 E. Ellsworth during normal operating hours, 8:30 am to 6:30 pm, Tuesday and Thursday, and 9 am to 6 pm. on Saturday. Ann Arbor residents may deliver their trees at no charge; others without a proof of residency will be assessed a small fee.​
• Bay City, MI - Each year, the City of Bay City Sanitation Department provides curbside collection for Christmas trees. Collection starts after the Christmas holiday. Holiday trees are collected curbside in early January. Follow BayCityRecycles on Facebook to stay informed about specific collection dates. Real trees will be taken to a composting facility therefore,
  Remove all ornaments, tinsel, lights, tree stands, and other non-organic decorative material
  Do not place tree inside of any type of plastic bag
  Wreaths on wire are not acceptable
  Artificial trees are not recyclable
  Place your natural Christmas tree at the curb by 7 am on your scheduled collection day.
  You can also drop off trees for recycling.
• Delta Township, MI - Delta Township residents may dispose of their natural Christmas trees December 26 through January 31 at the Parks and Recreation Maintenance Building, which is located on Administration Drive. Please remove any Christmas lights, wires, string, and ornaments from the tree. If transporting the tree in a bag, please remove the tree from the bag before dropping it off. The tree will be chipped and used for various landscape projects around the township.
• East Lansing, MI - The City of East Lansing collects live-cut Christmas trees each winter. Phone: (517) 337-1731. After Hours Phone: (517) 351-4220. The trees will be chipped and used as mulch in East Lansing parks or donated to the Michigan Department of Natural Resources for use as rabbit habitats. All bags, holiday decorations and tree stands should be removed; trees taller than 6 feet should be cut in half.
  There are two options for recycling live-cut Christmas trees:
  1) Trees can be placed curbside for collection anytime between December 26th and Friday in mid-January. Advance phone request and stickers are not required.
  2) A number of drop-off locations are available through mid-January (call or see their website for this year's date).
  Patriarche Park- parking lot on Alton Road
  Emerson Park - Arbor Drive entrance
  Fine Park - parking lot on Winchester Drive
  Valley Court Park - South of the Community Center
  White Memorial Park - parking lot at Pebblebrook Lane.
• Grand Rapids, MI - To dispose of your Christmas tree, attach a purple Bulk Yard Waste Tag and place the Christmas tree at the curb on your regular refuse collection day.
  Or use the Free Drop-Off Christmas Tree Disposal.
  The City offers free drop-off sites for Christmas trees through January 29. 7 am to 7 p.m. Monday - Sunday. The sites are located at:
  - Riverside Park (north entrance) located at 3151 Monroe Ave NE
  - Jaycee Family Park located at 2531 Kalamazoo Ave SE
  - Lincoln Park located at 1120 Bridge St NW
  - Huff Park located at 2399 Ball Ave NE
  Fee-Based Curbside Pickup Program:
  The alternative method for disposing of Christmas Trees is to attach a $2.50 City bulk yard waste tag (purple tag) to the tree and place it in the pickup area by 7 am on the regular refuse collection day.
  Bulk yard waste tags may be purchased at City Hall, 300 Monroe Ave NW, in the customer service lobby. City Hall is open Monday through Friday 8 am to 5 pm. Some local stores may also have the tags in stock.
  Christmas trees that are placed in the refuse pick-up area must be properly tagged for collection. The tag must be visible at the time of collection. Residents should make every effort to be sure that the tree is able to be collected (not buried in the snow) and the tag visible. All ornaments, other decorations, tinsel, nails, tree stands, and any plastic bags on the tree need to be removed prior to collection.
• Holland (city of), MI - Christmas Tree Disposal, Phone: 616-355-1300
  For Non-Refuse & Recycling Customers: City of Holland residents currently NOT receiving curbside service may drop off their Christmas trees for disposal at: Bouws Pool Parking Lot off 16th Street from December 26, to late January. Please use the designated area for tree drop off. (No plastic bags, wires, stands or decorations please).
  Holiday Trash Information - For Refuse & Recycling Customers: Holiday boxes, papers and excess trash will be accepted at no extra charge from December 26 through the first full week in January. (Packing peanuts, Styrofoam and Christmas wrapping paper are NOT recyclable and must be placed in the trash.)
  Christmas Tree Disposal - For Refuse & Recycling Customers: Place your Christmas tree (cut to 6 feet or less) at the curbside on the same day as your waste service from December 26 through the first full week in January and the City will dispose of it. (Please remove stands, wires, bags and decorations)
• Holland Township, MI - residents can drop off Christmas trees at Quincy Park, 14025 Quincy St. in Holland Township, from now until January 31st, between dawn and dusk.
• Kent County, MI - Drop off locations by town are below:
  Ada Village & Township - Drop off Christmas trees (residents only)  in the rear parking lot at Ada Township Park, 1180 Buttrick Ave, December 26th to mid-January from 7:30 am to 8 pm.  For more information, call (616) 676.9191
  Alpine Township - Drop off Christmas trees (residents only)  in the west side of the parking lot at 5255 Alpine Ave NW, Comstock Park until third or fourth week in January. For more information, call (616) 784.1262
  Caledonia Village - Residents should leave trees on the curb for pickup and chipping.Christmas tree is larger than 8 ft. must be cut in half. For more information, call (616) 891.9384
  Cannon Township - Residents should leave trees in a large dumpster in the parking lot at Cannon Township offices between December 26th and mid-January. For more information, call (616) 884.2206
  Cascade Charter Township - Drop off Christmas trees (residents only)  behind the Buttrick Fire Station (Buttrick & 30th St.) between December 26th and early January. For more information, call (616) 949.1500
  Comstock Park - Drop off your tree at Fields Farm. Their goats and animals will EAT the trees! Take trees to 849 Buth NE,leave the trees by the orange cones, not in the fenced area where the goats are.
  Courtland Township - Drop off Christmas trees (residents only)  behind the Fire Station, 7480 Fourteen Mile Rd., until the end January. Drop off during daylight hours. For more information, call (616) 866.0622
  East Grand Rapids - Curbside collection starting on Monday of the first full week of January through Friday of the second full week of January. Items with metal attached (trees stands, wired garlands, lights and wreaths) cannot be collected and must be disposed of separately by the resident. For more information, call (616) 949.2110
  Grand Rapids - Drop off Christmas trees (residents only)  for the month of January between 7 am and 7 p.m. on Monday through Sunday at the following locations: Riverside Park (2001 Monroe Ave. NE, north entrance), Huff Park (2286 Ball Ave. NE), Jaycee-MacKay Park (2531 Kalamazoo Ave. SE), and Lincoln Park (231 Marion Ave. NW). Residents may also use the curbside yard-waste tag system for their live Christmas Trees on their regular refuse day (multiple shifts of pick-up so it may not be collected at the same time as your trash). For more information, call (616) 456.3000
  Grandville - Residents may drop trees off at the Public Works building, 4095 White St., Monday through Friday from 8:30 am to 3:30 p.m. any time of the year. For more information, call (616) 531.3030
  Kentwood - Drop off Christmas trees (residents only)  from December 28th through January 29 at Kentwood Department of Public Works, 5068 Breton SE, Monday through Friday between 7:30 am and 4 pm. For more information, call (616) 698.9610
  Kent City - Residents should leave trees (put the stump end out towards the street) on the curb from December 30 through mid-January for collection and burning. For more information, call (616) 678.7232
  Plainfield Charter Township - Drop off Christmas trees (residents only)  during park hours at Versluis park, 3650 Versluis Park NE, starting December 26th until the end of January between sunrise and sunset.  For more information, call (616) 364.8466.
  Rockford - Residents should leave trees on the curb from January 4th through the end of the month for collection and chipping. For more information, call (616) 866.1537
  Sparta Village - Drop off Christmas trees (residents only)  behind the Department of Public Works Building, 276 W Division St., starting December 30 through the end of April. Drop off during daylight hours. For more information, call (616) 887.9303
  Walker - Drop off Christmas trees (residents only)  at Walker City Hall (4243 Remembrance Rd. NW), Walker Community Park (650 Cummings NW) or Walker Fire Station #3 (1470 Three Mile Rd. NW) between December 26th and the third Saturday in January. For more information, call (616) 453.6311
  Wyoming - Drop off Christmas trees (residents only)  at the Wyoming Public Works Yard Waste Facility, 2660 Burlingame Ave. SW, on Saturdays in early January and 15 from 7:30 am to 7:30 p.m.  For more information, call (616) 530.7262
• Lansing, MI - Christmas trees will be picked up from the curbside for two weeks, beginning the week of December 26thth and for the first two weeks in January on your normal city collection day. Christmas trees will be collected by CART. Trees should be placed at the curbside like normal. All bags, decorations and other materials must be removed from the tree for it to be collected. Trees that are taller than six feet must be cut in half to be collected.
  
  Government Departments O through Z Public ServiceRecycling, Trash & Yard Waste
  RECYCLING, TRASH & YARD WASTETrees will be recycled into mulch, so please make sure trees are free from plastic,ornaments and other materials. If taller than 6 ft, please cut in half.. Check www.lansingrecycles.com for updates. 517-483-4400. Trees should be placed curbside on the same day that blue trash bags, blue trash carts and green recycling carts are collected. They should be free of plastic bags, metal, and ornaments. TREES 6-FEET IN LENGTH OR LONGER MUST BE CUT IN HALF. To assist in the collection process in the event of snow, residents are encouraged to place holiday trees on top of snow banks, and to remove as much snow as possible from the trees so City drivers can see them. For more information, contact Capital Area Recycling & Trash at 517/483-4400 or [email protected] or visit www.lansingrecycles.com If you have a question about recycling an item, please email the CART Office.
  Granger also collects Christmas trees . They have not updated their website for this year.  It's probably the same, but you might want to call to be sure. All Christmas trees must be live-cut and free of decorations. Trees or sections of trees can be no longer than four feet. All Christmas trees collected will be disposed of as trash. The following are options for disposal: Place your live-cut Christmas tree next your Curby Cart or bags on your trash collection day during the week of January 1st. Granger will collect Christmas trees from existing customers at the curb for (2021 price was $10) per tree or per section of tree. Customers do not need to arrange this service in advance. Or you can Haul your tree to the Granger Disposal Centers of Alma, Lansing or Jackson. All Christmas trees collected street-side will be taken to Granger's landfill where they will be used to make renewable energy. Trees brought to the Disposal Center will be treated as yard waste.
  Disposal Center of Lansing - 16500 Wood Road
  Disposal Center of Alma - 2355 Michigan Avenue
  Disposal Center of Jackson - 2600 Lansing Avenue.
  All Christmas trees collected in Alma and all trees collected street-side will be hauled to Granger's landfill and create renewable energy. Trees brought to Disposal Centers in Lansing and Jackson will be treated as yard waste.
  For more information, call Granger at 1-888-947-2643 or email [email protected].
• Monroe County, MI - Each Christmas holiday season, several local municipalities, working in cooperation with the Monroe County Solid Waste Coordinator's Office and the Monroe County Road Commission provide a Christmas Tree Recycling Program for County residents at the following locations:
  Recycle your live Christmas tree for free (w/ decorations removed) at the sites below. Trees will be chipped and reused around our community rather than ending up in a landfill.
  Trees are welcome for drop-off at the locations below from December 26, through January 10. Please remove all decorations e.g., lights and wires, ornaments, rope, garland, stands and braces, bagging, etc.
  • Bedford Township - Carr Park, 9240 Lewis Ave, Temperance - (734) 847-6791
  • Berlin Charter Township Hall - 8000 Swan View Drive, Newport - (734) 586-2187
  • Ida Township Hall - 3016 Lewis Avenue, Ida - (734) 269-3045
  • Monroe Charter Township Hall - 4925 West Dunbar Road, Monroe - (734) 241-6574
  •  Frenchtown Township - Kiwanis Park - 2775 Nadeau Rd, Monroe - (734)-242-5800
  . All tinsel and decorations must be removed from tree prior to chipping. Please call the numbers listed above, or Dan Rock 734-240-7909, for times or additional information.
• Oakland County, MI Parks Christmas Tree Recycling: Oakland County Parks and Recreation used to offer free Christmas Tree Recycling at some park locations (see below) Trees can be dropped off any day from December 26 through late January from 9 am to 4 pm; 7 days a week or Free Self-Serve Christmas Tree Recycling,(NOT IN 2021 or 2022) Phone: 248-858-5656. Email: [email protected]. Please remove all decorations, metal, plastic and string lights.
  The parks system processes trees to make compost and wood chips, which will be available to the public, free of charge. For more information, contact 248-858-0906.
  Oakland County Parks has discontinued or suspended its Christmas tree recycling program indefinitely (at least for 2021 and 2022). Some communities in Oakland County offer Christmas tree recycling. Oakland County cities and townships have Christmas tree recycling through SOCRRA and through the cities and townships themselves. SOCRRA residents can bring Christmas trees, bags of leaves or brush bundles to SOCRRA Transfer station free of charge. Madison ts Transfer Station 29470 John R (between 12 Mile and 13 Mile), Troy (995 Coolidge Hwy, Troy, MI 48084) OR Rochester Hills Compost Site (1741 School Rd, Rochester Hills, MI).
  See this page for Oakland County Michigan City and Town Contact Information
  • Berkley - City of Berkley DPW crews will pick up Christmas trees after the holidays. Please remove all decorations, lights, stands, etc. prior to placement at the curb. Please call in advance to schedule pick up, 248-658-3490. ALSO through SOCRRA by appointment or designated dropoff.
  • Beverly Hills - Christmas tree chipping will happen during the first and second weeks of January. Please remove all lights, tinsel, ornaments, etc. from the trees before placing them at the curb. Please do not place trees in plastic bags.
  • Birmingham - Christmas trees are being collected through the first two weeks of January. A separate service is used for disposal of holiday trees, so collection will not necessarily be at the same time your rubbish is picked up. The trees are ground into wood chips for recycling, so please remove all lights, ornaments, stands, etc. If you used a bag to contain the needles while removing the tree from your house, please remove it and dispose of it in your regular garbage. For more information call the Birmingham Department of Public Services DPS at 248-530-1700.
  • Clawson - Curbside collection on Wednesdays until the third week in January.SOCRRA residents can bring Christmas trees and bags of yard waste to SOCRRA Transfer station free of charge. SOCRRA does not accept yard waste in plastic bags.
  • Ferndale - Through SOCRRA the Troy Transfer Station or through regular trash schedule pickups (they accept Christmas trees)
  • Hazel Park - Curbside collection on Wednesdays during the month of January.  Also, drop off trees through SOCRRA the Troy Transfer Station or through regular trash schedule pickups (they accept Christmas trees). Same as Ferndale.
  • Huntington Woods - Christmas trees will be chipped by the Department of Public Works as part of the City's free chipping service on Wednesdays. Trees can be brought to the curb any day of the week. Please be sure there are no ornaments or tinsel left on the tree.
  • Lathrup Village -. Place at curb for chipping. Christmas trees will be collected as bulk items along with regular garbage. Also handled through SOCRA.
  • Madison Heights Christmas Tree Pick-Up - Call 248-589-2294 for pickup or drop-off services offered by Madison Heights DPS. Continuing with our commitment to be the leader in composting and recycling, we will be collecting your Christmas trees and using our brush chippers to chip the trees into wood chips. The program will begin Christmas week, and will run through mid January.
  • Northville and Disposal - Christmas trees, wreaths, roping and garland will be collected as trash following the Christmas holiday. Northville Brush collection program.
  • Oak Park - "Holiday trees" (otherwise known as "Christmas trees" to normal people)  will be collected through the mid-January. Branches less than 6 inches in diameter and between 4 feet and 8 feet in length may be stacked and set out at the curb for pickup by the chipper truck. Branches should be stacked with the cut ends facing the same direction.
  • Park Township, MI - Christmas Tree Recycling From December 26 through January 31, you can bring your Christmas tree to the Holland Township Quincy Street Park, located at: 14025 Quincy Street, to be recycled. Trees can be brought to the park from dawn to dusk. Follow the signs to the drop-off area. PLEASE LIMIT THIS TO CHRISTMAS TREES ONLY. Trees will go through a chipper. All lights and hardware must be removed.
  • Pleasant Ridge - Christmas trees will be picked up on Mondays with regular trash disposal. Residents can place the tree at the curb with the stump facing the street for pickup on any Monday. Also handled through SOCRA located at 995 Coolidge
  • Rochester - The chipping of Christmas trees will begin the first week of January and will continue on a weekly basis for the month of January. Please leave the tree at the curb and remove all the garland, lights, bulbs and any other decorations. If there are any decorations on the tree, it will not be picked up. In the event of snow, the DPW will re-prioritize efforts and the service will be provided but will be delayed.
  • Rochester Hills -
    Drop off natural Christmas trees at the Clinton River Watershed Council at 1115 West Avon Road (south side of Avon, just west of Livernois Road) on the following dates and times only: see their website, the first 2 weeks in January from 10 am to 4 pm. Curbside - GFL Environmental will collect stripped Christmas trees (no ropes, lights, metal, plastic or other hangers) from Christmas and the following three weeks. GFL Environmental will deliver the trees they collect to a compost site rather than a landfill or disposal facility. To have your tree picked up by GFL Environmental you must call for a pickup (just like the bulk pickup). Be sure to call at least 24 hours prior to your regularly scheduled pickup date. For more information on curbside recycling, please contact the Ordinance Department at 248-656-4615.
  • Royal Oak, MI - Phone: 248-246-3000. Christmas trees are usually collected during the first two weeks of January. Trees will be collected curbside for recycling on your regular trash day by a private chipping contractor. Please place tree separate from trash at the curb by 7:00 am without decorations, lights, stands and plastic bags or the tree will be left until corrected.
    If residents miss curbside Christmas tree collection, they can take to SOCRRA, 995 Coolidge, for free for disposal through March 31st.
  • Troy - Christmas trees will be collected beginning December 28 thru mid-January. Place trees at curb before 7am on your collection day. Please remember to remove all lights, ornaments, etc. Christmas trees can also be taken to SOCRRA for no charge - no appointment necessary, proof of residency required.
  • Village of Holly - The Village's trash hauling service will pick up Christmas Trees for the first 3 weeks of January
    
    
• Rochester Hills, MI - Curbside Recycling - GFL Environmental will collect discarded Christmas trees devoid of any ropes, lights, metal, plastic or other hangers. Details of Curbside Recycling:
  Under contract with the City of Rochester Hills, GFL Environmental will collect discarded Christmas trees devoid of any ropes, lights, metal, plastic or other hangers during Christmas week and the following three weeks ending in mid-January GFL Environmental will deliver the trees they collect to a compost site rather than a landfill or disposal facility. Trees can be placed at the curb on your regular pick up day and GFL Environmental will deliver the trees they collect to a compost site rather than a landfill or disposal facility. For more information on curbside recycling, please contact the Ordinance Department at 248-656-4615.
  Drop-off: The City of Rochester Hills will once again allow its residents to dispose of natural Christmas trees by dropping them off at the Clinton River Watershed Council located at 1115 West Avon Road (south side of Avon, just west of Livernois Road) on thecertain dates and times only: usually the first 2 weekends in January after New Year's Day, from 10 am to 4 pm
  Conditions: Christmas trees will be accepted subject to ALL of the following conditions. No exceptions to these conditions will be made.
  Residents of Rochester Hills may drop off trees during the announced days and hours only.
  Trees shall be dropped off at the designated area only. Any other disposal, at or near the designated site, will constitute improper disposal and violators will be subject to ticketing.
  Only natural Christmas trees will be accepted. No mass or commercial disposal is permitted. No disposal of any other materials, natural or artificial, is permitted.
  All non-woody material, e.g., lights and wires, ornaments, rope, garland, stands and braces, bagging, etc., must be removed before drop off.
  Volunteers will inspect trees for compliance with this order before accepting them for disposal. Trees or other matter that do not meet the restrictions will not be accepted.
  For more information, contact Forestry Operations Manager Gerald Lee at 248.656.4673.
• Zeeland, MI - drop off Christmas trees at the Riley Street brush drop-off facility, on the north side of Riley Street between Centennial and Fairview, on the first Saturday in January from 8 am to 12 p.m.
  Proof of residency is required. For more information, contact the Zeeland city services and infrastructure department at 616-772-0870.

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