Recycle Your Christmas Tree In Palm Desert: What To Know

PALM DESERT, CA — Christmas has come and gone, and while the tree may still be merry under the lights and sparkle, a live tree can become a fire hazard as it dries out.

When it's time for recycling, Burrtec Waste and Recycling, Palm Desert's franchised waste hauler, will provide a Christmas tree recycling program for the residents.

Burrtec Waste and Recycling will start picking up your Christmas trees curbside during the two weeks following the holiday, the city of Palm Desert reported on its website.

You can help by cutting your tree in half if it is over 6 feet tall.

Trees must be free of ornaments, including tinsel.
All trees will be recycled into compost or mulch, except for trees that are "flocked" with snow. Flocked trees will be collected but not composted.

If you live in a multi-family area, live trees must be recycled at the Edom Hill Recycling and Transfer Facility, they said. "All lights, decorations, tinsel, stands, nails and tree bags must be removed before dropping off your tree," they said.

Another option: Riverside County Residential customers can also drop off their trees at county landfills for free or at specified recycling centers for use in local lakes to preserve the smaller fish population. (Call the county at 951-486-3200 for additional information.) Commercial customers will be charged the green waste tipping fee for any tree drop-off.