Christmas Tree Recycling : Many Cities Pick Up Trees; County Has Drop-Off Site

Most Southeast area cities offer Christmas tree recycling. The trees are usually ground up and used instead of soil as cover at the Puente Hills Landfill. This saves space since the trees would otherwise be thrown into the landfill and extra soil added to cover them. Some of the shredded trees are also used as plant mulch.

A drop-off site is available to all Los Angeles County residents from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday and Sunday. It is in Whittier at Gunn Avenue Park, 10130 Gunn Ave. Trees are not accepted with ornaments, stands or nails.

Many cities also pick up trees. Residents must remove all decorations and, for pick up, leave their trees at the curb.

For Christmas tree recycling, call the county hot line: (800) 552-5218. Residents seeking information about curbside pickup should call city hall or the waste management company that serves their city.