STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. —The New York City Department of Sanitation collects Christmas trees year-round as part of curbside recycling, picking them up on residents’ regular recycling day.
DSNY noted that “there’s no need for specific dates anymore,” as the agency collects food scraps, food-soiled paper and yard waste from all residents on their regular recycling day. Christmas trees and wreaths are included as yard waste.
The department says Christmas trees and wreaths should be “naked” and free of stands, lights, ornaments and tinsel before being placed at the curb, as they cannot be composted. Officials also emphasized that trees and wreaths should not be placed in bags.
Trees left for composting will be chipped and mixed with leaves, then turned into compost for use in New York City’s parks, institutions and community gardens.
Individuals can contact 311 or visit the DSNY website for questions about sanitation services and holiday schedules.