When, How To Get Rid Of Live Christmas Trees In Rockville 2024

ROCKVILLE, MD — Once Christmas comes and goes, residents will need to get rid of their live Christmas trees in the coming days. Christmas tree recycling will be provided in the coming days by the City of Rockville, Montgomery County and private collectors.

The time to say farewell to your live Christmas tree will depend on when you got it, what condition it is in, and whether it was properly watered.

Live Christmas trees can pose a fire hazard as they dry out, according to the National Fire Protection Association. The organization says Christmas tree fires aren't common but can grow quickly when they occur. Nearly one in three Christmas tree fires are caused by electrical issues, and one in five are due to a heat source too close to the tree.

The National Fire Protection Association recommends getting rid of your live Christmas tree after Christmas or when it is dried out. Once removed, Christmas trees should not be left in homes, garages or leaning against homes.

Rockville City picks up live holiday trees and wreaths as part of its regular yard-waste collection. Customers are asked to remove base standards, nails, decorations, and plastic. Place live trees and wreaths by 6 a.m. on collection day. Due to the Monday, Jan. 1 holiday, recycling, trash, and yard waste collection will be picked up one day later than usual.

Montgomery County collects Christmas trees year-round in its curbside yard trim recycling collection. Just leave your tree at the curb by 7 a.m. on collection day. Christmas trees will be composted and chipped, so remove the stand and all the decorations, ornaments, tinsel and garland. The county asks residents to be sure to remove all metal on Christmas trees bound for recycling and remove their trees from any plastic bags.

If you don't receive curbside collection services from the City of Rockville or Montgomery County, check collection policies with your private hauler.