Christmas Tree Recycling in San Diego 2026–27
The tree was great. Did its job. Now it’s dropping needles into the heater vent like a junkie.
In San Diego, getting rid of a real tree is free, easy and done by mid-January and doesn’t require risking burning your house down. Here’s how, whether you live in the city or elsewhere in the county.
City of San Diego drop-off: Free, starting Dec. 26. The 2026–27 dates and sites haven’t been posted yet; last season ran Dec. 26 through Jan. 16 at 16 locations.
Curbside: Your green bin, cut to fit, lid closed
Year-round: Miramar Greenery, 5180 Convoy St. (disposal fees may apply)
Not accepted: Artificial trees
Strip it first
Everything comes off: lights, ornaments, tinsel, the stand, netting, and that plastic bag you swore you’d use to carry it out without shedding. The tree gets ground into mulch, and nobody wants to find a hook in theirs.
Option 1: The green bin
The lazy option, and the best one. Cut the tree into pieces that fit in your green organics bin with the lid fully closed, then roll it out on collection day. A tree leaned against the bin, or poking out of it, gets left behind. A pruning saw and ten minutes in the driveway handles a 6-footer.
Option 2: City drop-off sites
City of San Diego residents can drop whole trees, no cutting needed, at free sites across town, usually parks and rec center parking lots, during daylight hours. Last season there were 16, including Kate Sessions Park in Pacific Beach and Robb Field in Ocean Beach. The city posts the new list right around Christmas, and this page will be updated when it does.
Flocked trees (the fake snow kind) are accepted at the city’s drop-off sites. Many haulers won’t take them in the green bin, so drop-off is the safe bet.
Trees only at these sites. Dumping anything else is illegal dumping, and the neighbors are watching.
Option 3: Miramar Greenery, any time
Missed the window? The Miramar Greenery at 5180 Convoy St. takes trees year-round, though disposal fees may apply. While you’re there, city residents can load up to two cubic yards of compost and mulch for free, which is a satisfying way to close the loop on Christmas.
Outside the City of San Diego
Carlsbad, Chula Vista, Oceanside, Coronado and the rest of the county each run their own programs through their own trash haulers, with different dates and rules. WasteFreeSD, run by I Love A Clean San Diego, collects the countywide list each season. Start there.
Artificial trees
None of these programs take them. If it’s in decent shape, donate it. Someone will be very happy to have it next December.
Dates and locations change every season. Confirm on the City of San Diego’s tree recycling page before you load up the car.