STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. \u2014The New York City Department of Sanitation collects Christmas trees year-round as part of curbside recycling, picking them up on residents\u2019 regular recycling day.<\/p>\n
DSNY noted that \u201cthere\u2019s no need for specific dates anymore,\u201d 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.<\/p>\n
The department says Christmas trees and wreaths should be \u201cnaked\u201d 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.<\/p>\n
Trees left for composting will be chipped and mixed with leaves, then turned into compost for use in New York City\u2019s parks, institutions and community gardens.<\/p>\n