Good news, Seattle residents – you can compost your Christmas trees and other holiday greens for free through January 31, 2020! Just place trees or bundled greens next to your food and yard waste cart on your regular collection day. (Apartment residents may place two trees next to each food and yard waste cart on each collection day.)
Trees must be cut into lengths of 4 feet or less and all lights, tinsel, and other decorations must be removed.
In addition to curbside collection, Seattle residents may drop off trees and other holidays greens for free at Seattle Public Utilities’ North or South Transfer Stations through January 31. Stations will accept up to three trees per vehicle. Trees for drop-off must be 8 ft or less.
Composting Christmas trees is just the beginning when it comes to holiday recycling. Many common holiday items can be recycled or reused. Customers can find out how to cut down on the amount of holiday waste that ends up in the landfill by checking SPU’s Where Does It Go Tool: www.seattle.gov/util/myservices/wheredoesitgo.