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How to Recycle Your Artificial Christmas Tree & Decorations

Date
Dec, 01, 2023
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In today’s post,  learn how to recycle your Christmas Tree and decorations, as well as how to reuse, donate, or upcycle it first! If you bought a real Christmas Tree this year, read on for how to give it new life and ensure it stays out of the landfill. 

If you still need a tree this year, check out my post about Real vs Artificial Christmas Trees!

Repurpose, Donate, Or Upcycle Your Artificial Christmas Tree First

If your artificial Christmas Tree has been around several years, it may have lost some of its luster. Maybe the lights are burned out, the branches are broken, or you’ve lost some of the pieces. Before you dispose of it, consider these ways to give your artificial Christmas Tree new life by reusing, upcycling, or donating your tree. Reusing what you have is the most sustainable option, so those suggestions are listed first.

Repurpose Your Used Artificial Christmas Tree

If your artificial Christmas tree is no longer Holly Jolly enough for your living room, it could still be useful. Many people enjoy decorating with more than one Christmas tree, so let your artificial tree retire as an additional decoration in your home. Try turning it into a themed tree: decorate it all in Harry Potter theme, go monochromatic, or let your kids decorate it however they want. You can add new strings of light to it, or change out some bulbs if its lights are burned out. If you need some inspiration, Martha Stewart (who else?) has a list of Christmas Tree decorating ideas.

Donate Your Used Artificial Christmas Tree

If you’re ready to part ways with your artificial Christmas tree, but it’s still usable, consider places in your local community that may want Christmas decorations for their own use. Schools, hospitals, libraries, churches, and thrift stores may be interested in your old tree! Let your tree continue fulfilling its “Christmas Destiny” by donating it and lighting up another part of your community for the holidays. 

Alternatively, consider posting your tree for free on sites like Craigs List or Offer Up. Let it be your Christmas gift to someone in your community!

Don’t forget to include ornaments and working strings of lights that you no longer want. These can make the donated tree even more festive! 

Upcycle: Create a New Decoration from Your Artificial Christmas Tree

If you don’t want to redecorate your artificial Christmas Tree, and it can’t be donated, consider upcycling parts of it rather than disposing of it entirely. Can you turn some of the branches into a Christmas wreath? Maybe you can fashion a garland for your mantlepiece out of the branches! Or turn it into several mini Christmas Trees. Pinterest has lots of cute inspiration. Creating new decorations from your old artificial tree helps to keep more plastic out of the landfill, and can make your space even more festive.

HOW TO Recycle YOUR CHRISTMAS TREE & DECORATIONS

 Sometimes, a Christmas tree cannot be repurposed, donated, or even upcycled, and it’s taking up space in your home. Here’s how to dispose of artificial Christmas Trees, real Christmas Trees, and other Christmas decorations, responsibly. 
 

Dispose of Your Artificial Tree Responsibly

 Unfortunately, recycling an artificial Christmas Tree requires some effort, and may not be possible in your area. Your best bet is to call recycling centers in your area to see if they will accept your tree. It helps to know what your tree is made of: most are metal and PVC plastic, and PVC is often not accepted. If your recycling center can accept some, but not all, of your tree’s materials, try separating out the recyclable pieces. For example, you may be able to separate and recycle a metal stand or center pole, but not the branches. 
 
If you cannot recycle your tree, and none of the repurposing, upcycling, or donation options are available to you, it will go to the landfill. You may need to schedule a bulk pickup with your local. waste service. Don’t forget to remove all ornaments and lights first! 
 
Speaking of Christmas lights, these can be donated or recycled! Check with your local hardware stores during the holidays or your city’s website for local drop-offs.

How to Recycle a Real Christmas Tree 

 Refer to your local waste management service for Christmas Tree pickup. Cities that compost green waste may also recycle your tree! If you’re not sure, try using Earth 911’s Recycling Directory to find treecycling in your area.
 
For tips on composting, mulching, or chipping your Christmas Tree yourself for use in your garden, check out this informative blog post from Garden Betty!
 

How to Recycle Christmas Tree Decorations, or Dispose of Them Responsibly 

 My advice on other Christmas decorations is generally the same as that for trees:
  1. Reuse your decor or ornaments in a new way. I love this ornament wreath idea!
  2. Donate your used decor or ornaments within your local community. 
  3. Many communities will recycle holiday lights as part of a year collection program. Check your city or county website to see what is offered.
  4. Recycle/dispose of your decorations using a Terracycle Zero Waste Box! We use Zero Waste Boxes for multi-layer plastics and other hard-to-recycle items in our home. Learn more about Terracycle’s process here.

 

As you prepare for the holiday season, I encourage you to make a commitment to sustainability. Whether that’s reusing an artificial tree you already have, upcycling your holiday decor, or decorating a real tree, making eco-friendly choices will help make your holiday just a little bit sweeter. 

Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays! 

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