Many municipalities across Colorado have free tree recycling or composting programs for holiday pines that have served their festive purpose.
What happens to the trees? In most cases, the trees are chipped and made into a mulch which is usually made available, free to city or county residents.
Important: Never burn your Christmas tree in a fireplace or wood stove. Burning the tree may contribute to creosote buildup and could cause a chimney fire.
Here are four cities in Jefferson County that have Christmas tree recycling or composting programs. Trees must be stripped of all ornaments, hardware, strings of lights and tinsel.
Arvada - UPDATED: Holiday tree drop off days & times: beginning Monday, Dec. 26 and running through Monday, Jan. 16, trees may be dropped off between 6 a.m. and 5 p.m. Only one location will be utilized this year:
* Stenger Fields at West 58th Avenue and Oak Street
Golden: Christmas Tree recycling is provided by the City of Golden Forestry Division. Program details are distributed every December in the Golden Informer. Drop off your trees now through January 27 west of the intersection at Highway 93 & Golden Gate Canyon Road. Please place your tree near the sign posted for tree recycling. For further details, contact the City of Golden Forestry office at 303-384-8141.
Lakewood: From now through January 8, 2023, you may drop off your tree at Lakewood’s Greenhouse, 9556 W. Yale Ave, from 7am to 3pm. The greenhouse is located between Estes and old Kipling streets. Please follow posted signs and drop trees in the designated area. Tree recycling is free for Lakewood residents only; wreaths, garland, tree limbs, and trees from private contractors will not be accepted. Mulch will be available upon request. For more information, please call 720-963-5240.
Wheat Ridge: Recycle your Christmas tree with us!
Tree Recycle Dec. 26th through the end of January for Wheat Ridge Residents. Tree drop off locations & hours are 7:00am - 6:00pm at:
* East Parking Lot of Anderson Park - 4355 Field St.
* East Parking Lot of Panorama Park by the Ballfields - W 33rd Ave & Fenton St.
Yard waste and other yard debris will NOT be accepted. Trees are chipped into mulch that is recycled for use in planter beds and around trees in City parks. The Program is open to City of Wheat Ridge Residents only. No trailers or dump trucks. Drop off only during park hours.
For additional cities and counties in Colorado:
To recycle your old Christmas and Holiday Lights:
* Denver has a holiday light recycling program - DenverLightRecycling
* Hardware stores: Retailers like The Home Depot, Lowe's, Ace Hardware and True Value will accept your Christmas lights for recycling. Check with your local hardware store for specifics, including drop-off locations.
