Where to Recycle Christmas Trees and Lights in Houston

Hope it’s been a wonderful holiday season for all! Wondering what to do with your live Christmas tree or old holiday lights? Here are local recycling programs to consider. 

City of Bellaire Christmas Tree Recycling

The City of Bellaire Christmas Tree Recycling Program continues through Jan. 10. Drop trees at the corner of Edith Street and Baldwin Avenue at 4401 Edith. Place your tree near the recycling sign. Remove all lights, ornaments, and tinsel. Flocked trees will not be accepted. Note: Trees placed on the curb for regular trash pick-up will not be recycled. Questions? Contact Bellaire Public Works at 713-662-8170.

Christmas Tree Recycling Program & 34th Annual City of Houston Treecycling Event 

The City of Houston’s Solid Waste Management Department (SWMD) invites residents to recycle their live Christmas trees. SWMD will operate 22 tree recycling drop-off locations throughout Houston through Fri., Jan. 24. Find the list of recycling drop-off locations here. Additionally, live trees can be recycled through the city’s curbside tree waste collection program. To prepare a tree for recycling: Remove all lights, ornaments, tinsel, wire, nails, and stands and ensure the tree is not flocked, painted, or artificial, as these cannot be recycled.

The 34th Annual Treecycling Event takes place Tues., Jan. 7, 10 a.m. at the City Hall Reflection Pool. 

Houston Zoo’s Holiday Light Recycling 

Recycle your old holiday string lights at the Houston Zoo until Sun., Jan. 5. The Houston Zoo has placed a holiday lights recycling bin at the main entrance gate. Only string lights will be accepted for recycling.  

City of West U Christmas Tree and Holiday Light Recycling 

In conjunction with the Houston Zoo, the City of West U is accepting holiday string lights for recycling at the following locations through Jan. 10: City Hall (3800 University Blvd.), Public Works Offices (3826 Amherst St.), and the West U Recreation Center (4210 Bellaire Blvd.).

Christmas Tree Recycling: The City will be collecting Christmas trees for recycling through Jan. 10. How to recycle your tree: Place your tree, free of any foreign materials or objects (bulbs, lights, stands, etc.), curbside on your regular yard waste collection day. These trees will be taken to a local composter and recycled as mulch. Trees that are flocked or have ornaments, lights, stands, or any other objects will not be accepted for recycling. Questions? Call Public Works at 713-662-5839.