SAN DIEGO COUNTY – Cut or live Christmas trees are more environmentally friendly than plastic trees. Selecting the real deal reduces the use of toxic materials and fossil fuels to produce their realistic counterparts. Additionally, actual trees can be returned to the ground as mulch or by composting, which returns valuable nutrients to the soil, reduces landfill space, and reduces greenhouse gas emissions.
For this year’s Christmas tree collection, San Diego County and I Love A Clean San Diego make it easy for residents to recycle their real Christmas trees. The Countywide Christmas Tree Recycling Guide at WasteFreeSD.org has a 2021 list for curbside and drop off locations in the region.
According to the Environmental Protection Agency, organic materials like Christmas trees, food, and yard trimmings are the number one material sent to landfills, constituting two-thirds of the solid waste stream.
In California, a new state law (SB 1383) changes the recycling of organic waste in 2022. It will require the recycling of Christmas trees, as well as other organic waste: food scraps, food stained paper, yard trimmings and wood waste. non-hazardous (i.e. wood, pallets, etc.). For more information, contact your local city or county and / or the waste and recycling hauler about organic waste recycling in your area.
Before you mulch or compost a tree, follow a few simple tips to make sure it can be fully recycled.
Tips for recycling Christmas trees
● Don’t flock or buy trees in flocks. False snow (flock) contains chemicals that interfere with the composting process.
● If you choose to use tinsel, it must be completely removed (and thrown away) from your tree before it can be recycled. The best option, do not buy tinsel. It is a wasteful single use plastic.
● Be sure to remove all decorations, garlands, lights, nails, tree bags, and tree stands (metal or plastic) before recycling.
● For areas where curbside trees can be recycled, trees over 4 feet should be cut in half. It is recommended that the pieces measure less than 4 feet.
● Reuse or donate artificial trees that are in good condition. Buying new plastic trees creates more waste and greenhouse gases.
● Don’t let the real trees linger too long after the holidays. They can dry out and become fire hazards.
● Organic wreaths and similar decorations can be recycled with trees.
For more information, visit CleanSD.org or call 619-291-0103.
Sent by I Love to Clean San Diego.