Christmas Tree Recycling

The annual Christmas Tree Recycling Program begins the day after Christmas, Dec. 26, through Jan. 23, and features 16 drop-off locations available to City residents.

The program turns recycled Christmas trees into useful products. Trees are given a second life by converting them into high-quality compost, wood chips and mulch products for residents and business owners to purchase year-round.

City residents may load up to two cubic yards of compost and mulch for free at the Miramar Greenery.

Drop-off Locations

Carmel Valley - Carmel Valley Recreation Center, 3777 Townsgate Drive (lower parking lot)
Encanto - Cielo Drive at Woodman Street
Golden Hill - Golden Hill Recreation Center, 2600 Golf Course Drive
Logan Heights - Memorial Recreation Center, 2902 Marcy Ave.
Mission Bay - SeaWorld Drive at Pacific Highway
Mountain View - Ocean View Boulevard at 40th Street (north side)
Oak Park - Chollas Lake, 6350 College Grove Drive (Gloria Mesa parking lot)
Ocean Beach - Robb Field Recreation Center, 2525 Bacon St.
Otay Mesa/Nestor - Montgomery Waller Community Park (lower parking lot, southeast corner of Palm Avenue and Beyer Boulevard)
Pacific Beach - Kate Sessions Memorial Park, corner of Mount Soledad Road and Loring Street
Rancho Bernardo - Rancho Bernardo Recreation Center, 18448 West Bernardo Drive
Rancho Penasquitos - Canyonside Recreation Center, 12350 Black Mountain Road
San Diego State University - Parking lot 17 off Alvarado Road
Scripps Ranch - Scripps Ranch Recreation Center, 11454 Blue Cypress Drive
Tierrasanta - Tierrasanta Community Park, 11220 Clairemont Mesa Blvd. (pool parking lot)
University City - Standley Community Park (parking lot), 3585 Governor Drive

What kinds of trees are accepted for recycling?

Both green and flocked trees (fake snow) are accepted. All tree stands, bags, netting, lights, ornaments, tinsel and other tree decorations must be removed. No artificial trees accepted. Please do not illegally dump any other items at the drop-off locations.

Where else can I recycle a Christmas tree?

Visit wastefreesd.org to find locations throughout San Diego county
Miramar - Miramar Greenery Recycling at Miramar Landfill, 5180 Convoy St. (accepts trees throughout the year) *Subject to disposal fees
Curbside collection
- Automated container: The Organic Waste Curbside Green Bins should be used to recycle Christmas Trees. Customers using the green bin provided by the city should cut their trees to fit into the automated container for pickup on collection day.