County DEP accepting holiday trees for recycling

The Montgomery County Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) is encouraging residentsurging residents to reduce, reuse and recycle to help minimize waste during this time of year.

Cut Christmas trees are accepted year-round for residents of single-family homes and townhomes who receive Montgomery County-provided weekly curbside recycling collection service.

Trees can be placed out for yard trim recycling collection service on your regular recycling collection day. 

Residents can also bring their trees to the Shady Grove Processing Facility and Transfer Station and drop them off for recycling. The facility is located at 16105 Frederick Road in Derwood. 

Wreaths, roping and other decorations made with live branches and needles are also accepted for recycling if they are separated from any wire and metal used to bind them. All trees, wreaths and other live branches must be free from lights and decorations.

Residents who live in apartments and condominiums should check with their property manager or representative for specific live-cut Christmas tree recycling instructions. Businesses also can recycle live-cut Christmas trees.    

DEP suggests residents consider recycling branches and needles at home by placing them under trees and shrubs as a temporary winter mulch. They also can be chopped up and added to a compost pile.

Artificial trees cannot be recycled, but if residents have an artificial tree that is in usable condition and they longer want, they can consider offering it for reuse on a neighborhood list serve, local Freecycle group or similar network. Otherwise, request a bulk trash pickup for an artificial tree. Village residents should check with their private trash service for bulk pickup instructions.

Other ways to reduce, reuse and recycle this season include:

Unwanted mail: Reduce junk mail by removing your name from mailing lists or registering on a “Do Not Mail” service.

Shopping and Gifting: Shop locally for gifts made from recycled materials or repurpose items into homemade gifts. Always bring reusable shopping bags and avoid excessive packaging. Look for unique gifts made from recycled materials.   

Gift Wrapping: Use repurposed or reusable wrapping materials such as outdated maps, fabric or gift bags. Reuse any bows or ribbons.   

Entertaining: Plan meals carefully to reduce food waste, use durable dishes and utensils instead of disposable ones and recycle bottles, jars, cans and containers. 

For more information about Christmas tree recycling collection, visit the DEP website.