Christmas tree recycling

Scroll down this page for local Alaska recycling and responsible disposal options for holiday waste, from Christmas trees and wreathes, to lights, ornaments, wrapping and packaging. Many towns and cities offer curbside collection, even for Christmas trees. Counties and unicorporated areas typically have a number or drop-off locations.

Christmas trees are usually colllected from December 26th through the first 2 or 3 weeks in January.  Whether your tree is picked up from your curb,Grinding Christmas trees into mulch or you drop it off, 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 occasionally accepted (call to verify), 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 curbside garbage hauler.

The trees and wreathes are usually chipped and made into a mulch which is often made available, free to city or county residents.

Recycling other items:

Always follow the links (usually the blue, underlined 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. If your area is not specifically mentioned below, call your trash collection agency and ask!

Alaska: Where and How to Recycle Your Christmas Tree After the Holidays January 2022

  • Anchorage, Alaska - ALPAR's Christmas Tree Recycling comes to Anchorage and the Valley again this holiday season. Beginning December 28 through mid-January (check their website for this year's dates), residents can recycle their live Christmas trees at all Anchorage and Palmer CARRS / Safeway stores. Please remove decorations and stands and NO wreaths please. Trees are made into fragrant wood chips for use on local trails. Boy Scout Troop 268 will pick up trees in Anchorage for an optional small fee. This program is sponsored by the businesses of ALPAR, CARRS/Safeway and Municipality of Anchorage Solid Waste Services. Thanks to our media sponsors: Anchorage Media Group radio stations, GCI and Anchorage Daily News.
    DROP OFF LOCATIONS: CARRS/SAFEWAY STORE PARKING LOTS - ANCHORAGE, EAGLE RIVER, PALMER
    BOY SCOUT PICK UP SERVICE: 868-8899 OR EMAIL:[email protected].