What to Recycle & What NOT to Recycle and Disposing of Live Christmas Trees

Image courtesy DNREC

After your mountain of presents become a mountain of paper, ribbon and boxes – what do you do with all that waste? Some of it can go into your recycle bin – but not all of it.

You can recycle wrapping paper, cards, envelopes, paper gift bags, cardboard boxes and paper gift boxes.

You can NOT recycle bows, ribbon, glitter or foil, batteries (unless you have a separate battery recycle), string lights and ornaments.

CHRISTMAS TREES – If you have a real tree – it can be turned into mulch for composting.  Trees can be dropped off at numerous sites statewide (some may have a fee).  Trees should be free of all ornaments and tinsel – and remember to remove your tree stand.  

WORCESTER COUNTY 

If you live in Worcester County – they are hosting the annual collection of Christmas Trees December 26th through January 31st . Residents can drop off their Christmas trees at the Central Landfill in Newark and at the Homeowners Convenience Centers in Berlin, Pocomoke and Snow Hill free of charge.

Businesses and organizations that sold trees will not be permitted to drop trees at the convenience centers – but can take them to the Central Landfill where applicable tipping fees will be assessed.

The trees will be ground into mulch for use at the Central Landfill. Remember to remove all ornaments, tinsel and tree stands!

For more information, contact Recycling Manager Bob Keenan at 410-632-3177, ext. 2405

TOWN OF OCEAN CITY 

Ocean City residents can drop off their Christmas Trees December 26th through January 15th by placing them in the northeast corner of the 100th Street parking lot. This is a free service – but remember to remove all tinsel, ornaments and other non-wooden items. These trees will be taken to the Worcester County Landfill where they will be turned into mulch.

Wreaths CANNOT be recycled.

DNREC 

DNREC encourages Delawareans to recycle their holiday trees. By recycling your tree it becomes a valuable organic resource that provides environmental benefits – and keeps them out of landfills or along the side of the road. Your tree can be turned into beneficial mulch or used for home composting.

Trees can be dropped off at numerous yard waste collection sites across the state – some may charge a fee. Be sure your tree is free of all ornaments and tinsel and other non-wood pieces. And be sure to remove your tree stand!

There are multiple locations in Kent & Sussex Counties –  
https://dnrec.delaware.gov/waste-hazardous/yard-waste/drop-off-sites/