The holidays are upon us! But once the festivities are over and it’s time to dispose of your live Christmas trees, the Park Authority reminds you to recycle your tree at the curb and not by dumping it in the woods or on Fairfax County parkland.
In addition to being illegal to dump your trash, even yard waste, onto other public or private property, this activity can harm the environment where material is left. Illegal dumping of yard waste can facilitate the spread of invasive pest species and add additional layers of material that suffocates seeds, seedlings and plants, thereby reducing the regeneration of a healthy forest.
Help protect our local woodlands and parklands by making sure your live Christmas trees are recycled properly.
All licensed trash collectors in Fairfax County are required to collect and recycle live Christmas trees less than 8 feet tall that have been separately set out at single-family homes and townhouse communities during the first two weeks of January. Please contact your trash collection company for questions regarding this service. Residents can also recycle their live Christmas trees at the I-66 Transfer Station or the I-95 Landfill Complex.
Whether setting your tree at the curb or delivering it to one of the county’s recycling facilities, please be sure to remove tree stands, lights, ornaments and other decorations.
