How to properly dispose of holiday trees, greenery 

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DCPW collects holiday greenery to be recycled Image credit: Kate Michael

With the holiday season now at a close, you might be looking for an environmentally friendly way to dispose of seasonal trees and greenery.  The DC Department of Public Works (DPW) provides District residents with two easy options for having their non-artificial holiday trees and greenery recycled. 

Residents can bring their trees and greenery, free of charge, to either the Fort Totten Transfer Station, located at 4900 John F. McCormack Drive, NE, or the Benning Road Transfer Station, located at 3200 Benning Road, NE.  

If these locations are inconvenient, some residents may also place their trees and greenery outside, where their trash and recyclables would normally be collected between January 14 and February 2. This option is free of charge, but only available to residents who are serviced by DPW. DPW collects trash and recyclables from single-family homes and apartment/condo buildings with three or fewer living units.

Trees placed out after February 2 will be picked up as space permits, but are not guaranteed to be composted.

Regardless of which option residents choose, all ornaments and lights should be removed, and the tree or greenery should not be bagged.