Philadelphia residents may dispose of their live Christmas trees curbside or recycle them. Trees placed curbside will be taken by the City as trash instead of being composted.
If you’d like to recycle your tree, you can:
- Take it to a City-run drop-off site.
- Take it to a community collection event.
- Arrange for private pick-up services.
City-run drop-off sites
The Department of Sanitation Christmas Tree Recycling Program will take place Monday, January 5, 2026, through Saturday, January 17, 2026. While the program is running, you may bring your Christmas tree to one of several designated locations or to a sanitation convenience center.
Trees must be untied and have no decorations to make it easy to recycle them. Recycled trees are sent to a vendor that chips them up as a bulking agent for composting.
City-run drop-off sites
- Drop-off location
- Sanitation convenience center
Community collection events
Philly Goat Project accepts Christmas trees for recycling at their annual events. Before attending, confirm the event details with the group.
| Event location | Drop-off dates and times | Donation amount |
|---|---|---|
| The Farm at Awbury, 6336 Ardleigh St., Philadelphia, PA 19138 | Jan. 10, 2026 from 12–3 p.m. (Rain date: Jan. 11)
Jan. 24, 2026 from 12–3 p.m. (Rain date: Jan. 25) |
$20 per tree |
| Laurel Hill West Cemetery, 215 Belmont Ave., Bala Cynwyd, PA 19004 | Jan. 17, 2026, 12–3 p.m. (No rain date for this event) | $20 per tree |
Private pick-up services
The following groups offer pick-up services for $20 per Christmas tree. Visit their websites to find more information and to schedule a service.
| Organization | Areas served | Pick-up dates |
|---|---|---|
| Bennett Compost | All Philadelphia ZIP codes | Dec. 27–28, 2025
Jan. 3–4, 10–11, and 17–18, 2026 |
| Circle Compost | Center City & surrounding neighborhoods, West Philly, South Philly, Manayunk, Roxborough | Jan. 3–4, 10–11, and 17–18, 2026 |