Recycle your Christmas tree after the holidays!
Treecycle is a seasonal program offered by Denver Recycles that turns discarded Christmas trees into mulch after the holiday season. Recycle your holiday tree by dropping it off at one of our collection sites. CLICK HERE for more details
- Dates: 2023 Treecycle Collection: January 2-21
- Free Treecycle mulch is made available to Denver residents at the Mulch Giveaway and Compost Sale in May.
- Please note, Treecycle is for Denver residents only.
- You may also leave your tree at your trash set out location and we’ll collect it as part of large item pickup; however, trees left out for large item pickup will not be composted.
- Trees must be placed at least two feet away from collection carts, structures, or other obstacles.
- Do not place trees inside bags or collection carts.
Note from District 6 Council News re tree recycling
In a difficult to understand shift, the Department of Transportation and Infrastructure (DOTI) has decided that this year’s Treecycle Program for spent Christmas trees will operate differently than in the past. Rather than driving their normal solid waste collection routes, picking up all discarded live trees and taking them to be chipped into compost, DOTI has shifted to a “resident’s choice” program. Those wanting to ensure their tree is composted will have six drop-off centers to choose from located around the city. (visit denvergov.org/treecycle.) Residents can still leave their tree by the curb on large-item pickup day, but those trees will not be composted, but rather taken to the city landfill to slowly decompose while adding more greenhouse gas emissions to the atmosphere. Following complaints from residents and Councilmembers DOTI has amended the program. They are asking all who are able, to bring their trees to one of the city drop-off centers. Those who cannot, and want to ensure their tree is recycled, should call Solid Waste Management’s customer service line at 303-446-3557 to arrange for pickup.
You can also recycle your holiday lights for free
Dates: Dec. 5, 2022, – Jan. 7, 2023. Here are the free drop-off locations and more information.
Last year, 4,352 pounds of holiday lights were recycled.