This year, the District Department of Public Works (DPW) is collecting trees curbside between January 3, 2023 and March 3, 2023.
DPW will collect trees and greenery from curbside in the front of the home. Residents should place those items in their tree box or at curbside.
Don’t forget to take all the decorations off! Don’t put your tree in one of those tree bags. DPW says trees and greenery are typically collected by crews within five days of set out.
Trees and greenery collected through March 3, 2023 will be composted. District residents can collect up to five 32-gallon bags of the free compost year-round while supplies last at the Benning Road Transfer Station. Residents must bring their own bags.
After March 3, composting is not guaranteed for trees and greenery because they are then collected with residential trash. Using the tree and greenery collection service during this eight-week period will reduce the amount of such materials in landfills.
“Christmas trees and greenery are some of the ways we beautify our homes during the holidays,” said Interim DPW Director Michael Carter. “The holiday tree and greenery collection program provides an opportunity to reuse tress and greenery for composting, which furthers Mayor Bowser’s Zero Waste goals.”
DPW only picks up trees from homes that receive their collection service from DPW (single-family homes and apartment buildings containing three or fewer units). Residences not serviced by DPW (for example, larger apartment buildings) should consult with their landlord or property owner for collection procedures.
Missed the deadline? Don’t wanna wait? You can also drop your Christmas trees and/or holiday greenery at one of two locations from Jan. 3 through March 3:
- Benning Road Transfer Station (3200 Benning Road NE)
- Guy Mason Recreation Center (3600 Calvert Street NW)
If you think DPW missed your tree for pickup, contact 311 to create a “Christmas Tree Removal – Seasonal” service request when trees and greenery are not collected more than five days after they are set out.
Throughout the holidays, District residents are also encouraged to recycle the following items: holiday food containers like eggnog cartons, cans, and pie tins; non-metallic wrapping paper; and empty, flattened gift and cardboard shipping boxes. Holiday ribbon is not recyclable and should be placed in the trash. String LED lights can be dropped off at the Benning Road Transfer Station for electronic waste recycling on Saturdays from 7:00 a.m. until 2:00 p.m.
For more information on recycling this holiday season, visit zerowaste.dc.gov.
