As the holiday season comes to a close, many people find themselves eager to dispose of Christmas trees and decorations. Recycling these items is an excellent way to give back to the environment while ensuring that waste is minimized. Each county has specific guidelines for recycling Christmas trees and decorations, helping residents navigate the process smoothly.
Recycle Christmas Trees and Decorations: A County Guide
Wake County
Wake County promotes an environmentally friendly approach to post-holiday waste through the Happy Trails Christmas Tree Recycling Program. This initiative runs from December 26 to January 31, 2026, allowing residents to donate undecorated live trees, which are transformed into mulch. The program benefits both the environment and the community.
- Drop-off sites: Open from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m., seven days a week.
- Site 1: 10505 Old Stage Road, Garner
- Site 2: 6120 Old Smithfield Road, Apex
- Site 4: 3600 Yates Mill Pond Road, Raleigh
- Site 11: 5051 Wendell Blvd./US-64 Business, Wendell
Durham County
Residents of Durham County can take advantage of curbside collection and drop-off options for live trees starting early January. The curbside collection runs from January 2 to February 2. Trees taller than six feet should be cut in half, and all decorations must be removed.
- Drop-off location: Waste Disposal and Recycling Center at 2115 E. Club Blvd.
- Additional drop-off days: Jan. 3, 10, 17, and 24 at selected Home Depot and Lowe’s locations.
Orange County
In Orange County, residents can recycle up to 120 cubic feet of yard waste daily. The following centers accept live trees:
- Walnut Grove Church Rd. Waste & Recycling Center
- Ferguson Rd. Waste & Recycling Center
- Orange County Disposal Center
- Eubanks Rd Waste & Recycling Center
- High Rock Rd. Waste & Recycling Center
Recycling Artificial Trees and Decorations
Wake County
Wake County allows several materials to be recycled, including:
- Cardboard boxes
- Clothing and shoes
- Holiday cards
- Light strings (in scrap metal containers)
- Wrapping paper (non-metallic)
However, items like metallic wrapping paper and plastic gift bags should not be recycled.
Durham County
Individuals with artificial Christmas trees are encouraged to donate them if they are in good condition. If not, bulk waste collection services are available for proper disposal.
Orange County
Residents can donate artificial trees to local thrift stores or reuse centers. As with live trees, all decorations should be removed before disposal.
Holiday Trash Collection Schedules
Each county has specific trash collection schedules around the holidays. Below are key dates for each area:
| County | Key Dates |
|---|---|
| Wake County | Closed December 25; open December 26; regular schedule resumes December 31. |
| Durham County | Collection shifts for December 25 and January 1 to the following Saturdays. |
| Orange County | Regular recycling collection on December 24; collection delayed by one day for the remainder of the week following January 1. |
Residents are encouraged to check their local county websites for detailed recycling and collection schedules. By recycling Christmas trees and decorations, you can help reduce landfill waste and support environmental efforts.
