Here’s What To Do If You’re Looking To Get Rid Of Your Christmas Tree

Published on December 19, 2024

With the Christmas season soon coming to an end, you may be looking to get rid of your tree. Here are some of your options.

If You Have a Real Tree:

The City’s Recycling & Trash Services staff will collect it on a customer’s regular trash day pickup. The trees are recycled into compost and mulch. Trees must be placed out separated from trash or recycling. Please remove all decorations.

New Hanover County will offer live tree drop-offs at both Home Depot locations in Wilmington (5511 Carolina Beach Road & 210 Eastwood Road) Dec. 26 through Jan. 31. Live trees are also accepted at the county landfill, located at 5210 US Highway 421 North. All decorations must be removed prior to drop off.

If you have natural wreaths or garland, those can also be recycled and must have all decorations removed prior to drop off.

If You Have an Artificial Tree:

An artificial tree must be scheduled for bulky item collection if it will not fit inside your trash cart. You may schedule an appointment by calling 910.341.7875.

What About Other Decorations?

In addition to trees, residents are reminded that other holiday materials such as gift wrap, paper or cardboard boxes, holiday cards, old gadgets and electronics can be recycled at the county's recycling processing facility, drop-off sites throughout the community or via the county's Mobile Hazwagon.

At this time, string lights, tinsel, foam packaging, bubble wrap, and ribbons or bows cannot be recycled and should either be reused or placed in the trash.