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) Location is currently unavailable for tree drop off.
• 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.

Christmas tree recycling flyers

• 50th Annual Christmas Tree Recycling Program Flyer - English
• 50th Annual Christmas Tree Recycling Program Flyer - español

For additional information about greenery recycling or mulch and compost produced at the Miramar Greenery, please contact Environmental Services.