Disposing of Christmas Trees in Metro DC Area

If you are looking for the best way to dispose of your Christmas tree, first consider some of these ideas for using your tree in your garden.

If none of those ideas appeal to you, there are different rules for tree disposal depending on where you live.

In Fairfax County, if your tree is less than 8 feet, you can put it out by the curb during the first two weeks of January for no additional cost. If your tree is larger than 8 feet, contact your trash hauler for collection details.

The Montgomery County solid waste website says: We will collect Christmas trees on your recycling day from Monday, December 27, 2010 through Friday, February 4, 2011. Please put your Christmas tree at the curb by 7 a.m. on your collection day.

For District residents, the DC.gov website says: Holiday trees and wreaths will be picked up curbside from January 3 to January 15. Remove all decorations and place the greenery in the treebox space in front of your home between Sunday, January 2, and Sunday, January 9. Please do not put the trees in plastic or cloth bags. Any trees not collected by January 15 should be set out with your trash to be picked up as space in the trash trucks allows over the following weeks.

Arlington Virginia tree pickup info: Christmas Tree Collection will be from January 3-14, 2011 on your regular refuse day. Since trees will be ground into wood mulch, please remove the tree stand, lights, and decorations. Please do not place the tree in a plastic bag. More Info

In Frederick, Md., residents can drop off their trees at the following drop off points starting Dec. 27 and ending on Jan. 31.

• Harry Grove Stadium in the Lower Lot
• Husky Park (Yard 2) - Highland Street
• Max Kehne Park - West 7th Street
• Taskers Chance Park - Key Parkway behind Westridge Shopping Center