Jan 5, 2026

Where to Dispose of Your Christmas Tree in the DMV: 2026 Guide

Misc., News & Updates

The holiday season may be over, but now comes the task of responsibly disposing of your Christmas tree. Across the DMV, most jurisdictions offer curbside collection during a specific seasonal window, typically in early January, and year-round drop-off locations are also available. Before recycling, make sure your tree is bare—no lights, ornaments, tinsel, or stands—and not in a plastic bag.

Here’s a detailed guide for Christmas tree disposal in 2026 across the DMV:

Washington, DC

Curbside Collection: January 2 – February 28, 2026, on regular trash days for DPW-serviced households. Place at the curb. After February 28, trees can go with regular trash.
Drop-Off Locations:

Bryant Street Sweep Shop – 201 Bryant Street NW (M-F, 8 a.m. – 3 p.m.)
Guy Mason Recreation Center – 3600 Calvert Street NW (M-F, 8 a.m. – 4 p.m.)
DPW Salt Storage Facility – 2700 South Capitol St., SE (M-F, 8 a.m. – 2:30 p.m.)

Fairfax County, VA

Curbside Collection: First two full weeks of January 2026 (Jan 5 – 16) for county collection customers. Place at the curb on your regular trash day. After January 16, schedule a brush special pickup.
Drop-Off Locations:

I-66 Transfer Station (fee applies)
I-95 Landfill Complex (fee applies)

Mulch is available for free self-pickup at both locations.

Arlington County, VA

Curbside Collection: January 5 – 16, 2026. Place at the curb by 6 a.m. on your regular trash day. After January 16, trees are treated as year-round yard waste collection. Trees over 8 ft require a scheduled brush collection.
Drop-Off Location:

Solid Waste Bureau’s Earth Products Yard in Shirlington (call 703-228-5000 to schedule a weekday appointment)

Montgomery County, MD

Curbside Collection: Year-round on your regular recycling day. Place at the curb by 7 a.m.
Drop-Off Location:

Self-haul to the Shady Grove Processing Facility and Transfer Station

Prince George’s County, MD

Curbside Collection: Place at the curb by 6 a.m. on Mondays for collection.
Drop-Off Location:

Brown Station Road Drop-off Convenience Center – 3501 Brown Station Rd., Upper Marlboro

Prince William County, VA

Curbside Collection: First two full weeks of January on your yard waste collection day.
Drop-Off Locations:

Prince William County Landfill
Compost Facility
NOVEC – 5399 Wellington Branch Road, Gainesville (Drop-off available Dec 26 – Jan 12, 2026)

Important Considerations for All Jurisdictions

Remove all decorations: All lights, ornaments, tinsel, wire, and stands must be removed.
No bags: Do not place natural trees in plastic bags.
Artificial trees: These are generally not accepted for recycling. Donate if in good condition or dispose of as bulk trash if necessary.
Inclement weather: Collections may be delayed due to weather conditions.
Private haulers: If your residence uses a private trash collection service (common for apartments/condos), contact them or your property manager for specific instructions.