Christmas Tree Recycling

Los Angeles Sanitation and Environment (LASAN) collects real trees, turns them into mulch, and gives that mulch back to residents for free. It’s a great way to start the new year off green! Just follow these simple steps to help us recycle your tree correctly and safely.

Before we can accept your tree (whether at the curb or at a drop-off site), please make sure to follow these rules:

Remove Everything: All ornaments, tinsel, lights, decorations, and tree stands must come off. We can only recycle bare, real trees.

No "Snow" Allowed: Unfortunately, "flocked" (snow-covered) trees and artificial trees cannot be recycled. Please cut these up and put them in your Black (trash) bin.

This is the easiest way to recycle your tree! We will collect trees on your regular trash day until January 31. Here’s how to do it:

• Inside the Bin: If you can, cut the tree into sections so that it fits completely inside your Green (organics/compost) bin. Please make sure the lid can still close.
• Next to the Bin: If you are unable to cut the tree up, simply place the entire whole, bare tree on the curb right next to your Green bin.

What if my tree is too big or it's past January 31?
If your tree is taller than 6 feet, or if you miss the January 31 deadline, you will need to schedule a bulky item pickup. You can do this by calling our 24-hour Customer Care Center at 1-800-773-2489 or online through the MYLA311 app.

You are welcome to bring your bare tree (with absolutely no decorations or stands) to any of these locations.

Parks Locations (One Day Only!)
Bring your tree to one of these locations ONLY on Sunday, January 4, 2026, from 9:00 AM to 5:30 PM. Note: Parks will not accept holiday wrapping paper or packaging.

• Griffith Park (LA Zoo Parking Lot): 5333 Zoo Dr, Los Angeles, 90027
• East Valley (Sunland Park): 8651 Foothill Blvd, Sunland, 91040
• West Valley (Balboa Sports Center): 17015 Burbank Blvd, Encino, 91316
• South LA (Rancho Cienega Rec Center): 5001 Obama Blvd, Los Angeles, 90016
• West LA (Cheviot Hills Rec Center): 2551 Motor Ave, Los Angeles, 90064
• Harbor (Westchester Municipal Bldg): 7166 W Manchester Ave, Los Angeles, 90045

Fire Station Locations (available through Jan 31)
You can also drop off trees at the fire stations listed below. Like the parks, fire stations will not accept holiday wrapping paper or packaging.

• Stn #3 (Civic Center): 108 N. Fremont Ave, 90012
• Stn #21 (South LA): 1192 E. 51st St, 90011
• Stn #44 (Cypress Park): 1410 Cypress Ave, 90065
• Stn #64 (South LA): 10811 S. Main St, 90061
• Stn #65 (Watts): 1801 E. Century Blvd, 90002
• Stn #94 (South LA): 4470 Coliseum St, 90016
• Stn #28 (Porter Ranch): 11641 Corbin Ave, 91326
• Stn #29 (Hancock Park): 4029 Wilshire Blvd, 90010
• Stn #71 (Bel Air/Beverly Glen): 107 S. Beverley Glen Blvd, 90024
• Stn #77 (Sun Valley): 9224 Sunland Blvd, 91352
• Stn #81 (Panorama City): 14355 Arminta St, 91402
• Stn #88 (Sherman Oaks): 5101 N. Sepulveda Blvd, 91403
• Stn #106 (West Hills): 23004 Roscoe Blvd, 91304
• Stn #36 (North San Pedro): 1005 N. Gaffey St, 90731

If those locations aren't convenient, we have facilities open longer for tree drop-offs. Please follow the dates and instructions listed below.

Lopez Canyon Environmental Education Center

• Available: Jan 2, 2026 – Jan 31, 2026
• Hours: Mon-Sun, 9:00 AM – 4:00 PM
• Address: 11950 Lopez Canyon Road, Lake View Terrace, CA 91342
• Instructions: Please place your tree(s) in the rolloff bin by the entrance.

Harbor Safe Center

• Available: December 26, 2025, through January 15, 2026
• Hours: Please check hours before you go.Address: 1400 N Gaffey St, San Pedro, CA 90731
• Note: This location has an earlier deadline.

Sorting your holiday trash helps keep Los Angeles green! Here is a quick guide on what goes where:

BLUE BIN (Recycle These)

• Holiday wrapping paper (non-metallic)
• Cartons and Cardboard
• Gift boxes
• Plastics labeled #1, #2, & #5

BLACK BIN (Trash These)

• Styrofoam® and expanded polystyrene
• Plastics labeled #3, #4, #6 & #7
• Ribbons and bows
• Flocked/Artificial Trees

From December 16 through January 31, if you have too much cardboard for your blue bin, please break down and flatten the boxes, cut and tie them into 4x4 bundles (maximum 30 lbs), and place the bundles next to your blue bin facing the street.

Please keep string lights, electronics, rechargeable devices, and batteries out of all your bins. They are a fire hazard. Instead, take them to a S.A.F.E. Center (Solvents, Automotive, Flammables, Electronics) for proper disposal.

Finally, please remember these tree safety tips from our friends at the Fire Department:

• Water Daily: Dry trees can catch fire very easily.
• Placement Matters: Keep your tree at least 3 feet away from any heat source, like radiators, fireplaces, or candles.
• Lights Off: Always turn off your tree lights before sleeping or leaving your home.
• Dispose Promptly: Remove the tree from your home immediately after Christmas or as soon as it becomes dry.