Wondering what to do with your decorative tree after the holidays are over? The City has multiple options for recycling trees.
Sacramento residents who receive leaf season service from the City have an easy solution: trees can be recycled in the organic waste container or placed in the street for pickup as part of the City’s leaf pile collection.
“The best way to recycle your tree is to break it down to smaller branches so it can fit in the organic waste container for weekly collection,” said Jesa David, spokesperson for the Recycling and Solid Waste Division. “There are also several drop-off events in the Sacramento area where anyone can recycle their tree for free.”
Customers can check the collection calendar to see an estimate of when their leaf pile and trees will be removed. The schedule is updated daily and may change frequently depending on how quickly crews are able to remove material from the streets.
The last day trees, or any yard waste, can be placed out on the street for collection is Jan. 29, 2024. Up to five trees are allowed for pickup.
The trees and any leaf piles should be kept out of storm drains and clear of bike lanes where possible. Flocked trees are accepted, but any tinsel, plastic, metal, or other decorations must be removed.
The City and Sacramento County and other neighboring municipalities offer multiple free drop-off events listed below.
Customers must find a legal method to dispose of their tree. Improper disposal of holiday trees on City streets is considered illegal dumping.
Up to five trees can be recycled for free at the following locations:
SMUD Corporation Yard
6100 Folsom Blvd.| 8 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.
Saturday, Jan. 6
North Area Recovery Station
4450 Roseville Road | 8 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Saturday, Jan. 6 & Sunday, Jan. 7
Kiefer Landfill
12701 Kiefer Blvd. | 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
Saturday, Jan. 6 & Sunday, Jan. 7
(from Jackson Highway, north on Grant Line, right on Kiefer)
Elder Creek Recovery and Transfer
8642 Elder Creek Road | 8 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Saturday, Jan. 6
(from Jackson Highway, south on Florin Perkins Road, left on Elder Creek)
Sacramento Recycling & Transfer Station
8491 Fruitridge Road | 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Saturday, Jan. 6
Also accepting trees Dec. 26 – Jan. 8, Monday – Saturday | 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
(from Jackson Highway, south on Florin Perkins Road, right on Fruitridge Road)
Folsom – Dan Russell Rodeo Arena
Rodeo Park, end of Stafford St. | 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Saturday, Jan. 6
More information can be found at the SacRecycle website.