As the holiday season wraps up and the festive decorations come down, don’t toss your live Christmas tree—recycle it! Both the City of Charlottesville and Albemarle County offer free and easy ways to recycle your tree. With options like curbside pickup and eight convenient drop-off locations, recycling your Christmas tree in Charlottesville has never been simpler. Plus, instead of filling up the landfill, your tree will be chipped into mulch, available for free starting after the New Year!
“Anytime you can recycle, you’re doing great things for the environment,” says Jim Barbour, superintendent of parks at Albemarle County Parks and Recreation.
Before you recycle your Christmas tree from the farm, remember to remove all decorations, stands, and nails. Only Christmas trees will be accepted—yard waste and wreaths are not part of these programs.
How to Recycle Your Christmas Tree in the City of Charlottesville
If you’re a Charlottesville resident who receives trash or recycling services, take advantage of the city’s convenient curbside Christmas tree recycling program. Simply place your undecorated tree at the curb starting at 7 a.m. on Monday, January. 13, 2025, and the city will do the rest. Mark your calendar for Christmas Tree PIckup dates in Charlottesville: January 13, 2025!
Albemarle County Christmas Tree Recycling
Albemarle County’s Parks and Recreation Department also offers a Christmas tree recycling program for their residents. Just drop off your live Christmas tree at any of their eight designated recycling sites, open daily from 7 a.m. until dark from December 26, 2024 to January 19, 2025.
Albemarle County Christmas Tree Recyling Drop-Off Locations:
- McIntire Recycling Center: 611 McIntire Road, Charlottesville, VA 22902
- Claudius Crozet Park: 1075 Claudius Crozet Park, Crozet, VA 22932
- Greenwood Community Center: 865 Greenwood Road, Crozet, VA 22932
- Chris Greene Lake Park: 4460 Chris Greene Lake Road, Charlottesville, VA 22911
- Darden Towe Park: 1445 Darden Towe Park, Charlottesville, VA 22911
- Scottsville Community Center: 250 Page Street, Scottsville, VA 24590
- Walnut Creek Park: 4250 Walnut Creek Park, North Garden, VA 22959
- Simpson Park: 2410 Simpson Drive, Esmont, VA 22937
FREE Mulch, Anyone?
After your Christmas tree has been picked up by the city or dropped off at any of the eight convenient recycling locations, you can look forward to picking up free mulch, available at two available sites, starting Monday, January 20, 2025. This is such a great way for you to recycle your Christmas tree!
Free Christmas Tree Mulch Pick-Up Locations:
- Darden Towe Park: 1445 Darden Towe Park Road, Charlottesville, VA 22911
- Claudius Crozet Park: 1075 Claudius Crozet Park, Crozet, VA 22932

Best Practices for Responsible Tree Recycling
Your support makes all the difference in making these Christmas tree recycling programs a success! Here are a few simple ways you can do your part:
- Prepare Your Tree: Be sure to remove all decorations, lights, tinsel, stands, and nails before recycling your Christmas tree. This will guarantee that it can be processed properly.
- Avoid Plastic Bags: Avoid placing your tree in a plastic bag. Our local recycling programs need bare trees in order to chip into mulch.
- Recycle on Schedule: Double-check collection dates and times for your area to make sure your tree is recycled and not left behind.
- Consider Alternative Uses: Consider repurposing your Christmas tree before recycling. Not only can it provide shelter for birds but also acts as an erosion barrier in your garden.
- Spread the Word: Share the Christmas tree recycling program with neighbors and friends to help reduce landfill waste and encourage community participation.
- Choose a Living Tree: For future holidays, consider opting for a live, potted tree that can be replanted to reduce your environmental impact.
Recycling your Christmas tree is an easy way to help the environment while giving your tree a new purpose. Join your community in keeping the holidays sustainable, and enjoy the free mulch as a bonus!
AMANDA DANAHER is a busy mom of five who is passionate about bringing encouragement to other parents through writing. She focuses on freelancing for Virginia parent and family magazines where she can utilize her journalism degree and share her parenting experience.