Carlsbad Christmas Tree Recycling

Carlsbad Christmas Tree Recycling

Christmas Tree Recycling is available in Carlsbad now!

It’s hard to believe Christmas is behind us. Thus some of you may already be thinking about taking down the holiday tree.

The City of Carlsbad offers free, curbside pickup of Christmas trees for Carlsbad residents through January 15th. Furthermore, Curbside pickup for your tree is on your regular trash pick-up day.

Carlsbad Holiday Tree 2022

NOTE: trash pickup service is delayed by 1 day if it falls on the Christmas and New Year’s holidays.

Christmas trees should be placed at the end of the driveway next to the green waste bin. Additionally, be sure to remove all decorations, lights, tinsel and tree stands before recycling. If possible, you should cut the tree and place it in the Green Waste recycling bin for pick-up. 

By the way, if your tree is taller than 6 feet cut it in half and place next to the green waste bin.

Flocked Trees cannot be recycled and must be picked up as regular trash. As a result they should be cut and placed in the trash bin for pick-up.

Carlsbad converts the Christmas trees into mulch for use around San Diego County.

In addition, convenient drop-off bins for Christmas trees are available until January 15th. Here are the recycling locations for Carlsbad residents:


Calavera Hills Community Park – 2997 Glasgow Drive

Stagecoach Community Park – 3420 Camino de los Coches

Carlsbad Fire Station #1 – 1275 Carlsbad Village Drive

Poinsettia Community Park – 6600 Hidden Valley Road

Palomar Transfer Station – 5960 El Camino Real

If you have recycling questions please contact Republic Services at (760) 332-6464.

Or visit the Republic Services website.  You will find lots of information about their services on the website, including the 2 buy-back recycling centers, in Carlsbad and Oceanside.