Christmas Tree Recycling Guide

After the glow of Christmas is gone and the decorations have been taken off the tree, be sure to responsibly dispose of your Christmas tree! Evergreens make great mulch, so be sure to keep them out of the landfill. Depending on where you live, you have a variety of options for easy and responsible disposal.

Prior to disposal, keep in mind:

  • Trees must be free of all tinsel, ornaments, decorations, etc.
  • Fake or plastic trees are NOT compostable!
  • Do NOT put the tree in a plastic bag or cover it.
  • Wreaths and pine roping are typically not accepted at drop off sites, but may be accepted as yard waste.

City of St. Louis:

City residents should NOT place Christmas trees in alley dumpsters or recycling containers. However, the Refuse Division will collect them as part of its regular monthly bulk pick up program.

Alternatively, trees can be dropped off at:

  • Forest Park, Lower Muny Opera parking lot.
  • O’Fallon Park, West Florissant and Holly, picnic grounds #4.
  • Carondelet Park, Grand and Holly Hills, area between gate and recycling containers.

Trees will be accepted at these park sites from Saturday, December 26, 2015 through Friday, January 8, 2015. The trees will be ground into mulch that will be free and made available at the same sites. More information….

St. Louis County:

St. Louis County residents who normally have curb-side yard waste collection can put their bare trees out for pick up.

For those who do not have curb-side pick up, here are some commercial composting facilities that recycle Christmas trees into compost or mulch. Residents are encouraged to call and verify information provided below.

Fick Supply Services Inc. – No charge for trees

501 N. Eatherton Road
Wildwood, MO 63005
Phone: (636) 532- 4978
Fax: (636) 537- 1555

Monday – Saturday: 8:00 a.m.- 5:00 p.m.

Saint Louis Composting: Valley Park Facility  $1 per tree

39 Old Elam Avenue
Valley Park, MO 63088
Phone: (636) 861-3344
Fax: (636) 861-5925

Monday – Friday: 7:00 a.m.- 5:00 p.m.
Saturday: (March through December)
7:00 a.m.- 3:00 p.m.

Saint Louis Composting: Maryland Heights Facility $1 per tree

11294 Schaefer Road
Maryland Heights, MO 63043
Phone: (314) 423-9035

Monday – Friday: 6:00 a.m.- 4:00 p.m.

Saint Louis Composting: Fort Bellefontaine Facility  $1 per tree

13060 County Park Road
Florissant, MO 63034
Phone: (314) 355-0052
Fax: (314) 355-2327

Monday – Friday: 7:00 a.m.- 4:30 p.m.

Saint Louis Composting: Pacific Facility  $1 per tree

18900 Franklin Road
Pacific, MO 63069
Phone: (636) 271-3352

Monday – Friday: 7:00 a.m.- 4:00 p.m.