The holidays are over, but your Christmas tree doesn’t have to end up in the landfill! Seattle Public Utilities customers can compost their trees and other holiday greens for free through January 31.
Composting your Christmas tree is an easy way to reduce waste and help create nutrient-rich compost that benefits local landscapes and gardens. Whether you choose curbside pickup or drop-off at a transfer station, we’ve made it simple to give your holiday greens a second life.
Curbside Collection (Free through January 31)
SPU customers, including apartment and condo residents, can place up to 2 undecorated trees or bundled greens next to your food and yard waste cart on your regular collection day. Here’s how to prepare them:
- Cut trees into 4-foot lengths or shorter
- Remove all decorations, lights, tinsel, ornaments, and metal clips
- Remove any flocking or wiring
- For bundled branches, use sisal string or twine (not plastic)
- Ensure the trunk diameter does not exceed 4 inches
Transfer Station Drop-Off (Free through January 31)
Prefer to drop off your tree? Bring it to Seattle’s North or South Transfer Station for free. Each vehicle can drop off up to 3 trees, with the following requirements:
- Trees cannot exceed 8 feet in length
- Trunks cannot exceed 4 inches in diameter
- Remove all decorations, flocking, and wiring
What Happens After January 31?
Starting February 1, extra yard waste fees will apply for trees and greens, so make sure to compost yours before the end of January!
Apartment Dwellers: Know the Details
At apartment and condo buildings, two trees may be placed next to each food and yard waste cart at no extra charge on each collection day. Additional trees will be picked up as extra yard waste with fees applied.
Ready to compost? Check out our full holiday recycling guide at SPU’s Where Does It Go Tool to learn how to reduce holiday waste even further. Happy composting!