Christmas Tree Composting

Sustainable Options for Reusing and Composting Christmas Trees

When the holiday season ends, there are several eco-friendly ways to dispose of your Christmas tree.

1. City of Charleston’s Tree Composting Program
   • Free and Easy:  Trees are picked up curbside to be composted during a specified time period after the holidays. 
   • 2025 Dates: Christmas tree collection will start January 6th and the final collection will take place the week of February 14th, on your scheduled yard debris day, which is sometimes called “trash” day.
   • Preparation Guidelines:
     • Trees must be free of any and all decorations and tinsel. 
     • Trees must be placed curbside so that are equipment can reach them, preferably alone or near yard debris. 
     • Please, DO NOT put trees in food scrap carts, and keep artificial trees in a separate pile from real trees curbside.
2. Compost at Home: Turn your tree into nutrient-rich compost for your garden.
3. Wood Chipping: If you have access to a wood chipper, turn the tree into free mulch.
4. Craft Projects:
   • Use needles for potpourri or crafts.
   • Turn the trunk into natural coasters or other creative items.
5. Garden Frames: Strip the tree and use the branches to create a trellis for climbing plants like beans, cucumbers, or flowers.
6. Donate to a Goat Farm: Check with local goat farms; goats love snacking on Christmas trees!

*The above information was sourced from the City of Charleston website HERE.