THE LEAFLET

January 3, 2022 /
Jona Elwell

2022 Holiday Tree and Greenery Collection in DC

Holiday trees and greenery in DC will be collected from homes that receive DPW curbside sanitation collection between January 3 and February 28, 2022. Items collected during this period will be composted; in the spring, the mulch will be provided to residents at no cost.

Want to know whether the curbside trees you walk by are pines or spruces? Check the needles!  on pine trees, needles are attached and attached to the branches in clusters; on spruce trees, needles are attached individually. More ID tips here

Some additional info from the Department of Public Works (DPW): 

  • Highlights of the 2022 collection program include:
    • Collection for DPW-serviced households. Residents who receive curbside collection service from DPW (single-family homes and apartment buildings containing three or fewer housing units) are eligible for Christmas tree and holiday greenery collection. Households not serviced by DPW (for example, larger apartment buildings) should consult with their landlord/property owner for collection procedures.
    • Where to place trees and greenery. DPW will collect Christmas trees from the normal point of collection for trash/recycling or curbside.
    • Remove decorations. When setting items out for collection, residents should remove all ornaments and lights. Do not place trees and greenery in a bag.
    • Trees become free compost for residents. Trees and greenery collected through February 28 will be composted. District residents can collect up to five 32-gallon bags of the free compost year-round while supplies last at the Fort Totten Transfer Station. Residents must bring their own bags.
    • Composting not guaranteed after February 28. After that date, residents can still place Christmas trees and holiday greenery where their trash is collected; however, composting is not guaranteed. The items will be picked up with the trash as space in DPW trucks permits.
    • Steps if Christmas tree and/or holiday greenery was not collected. Contact 311 to create a “Christmas Tree Removal – Seasonal” service request.
    • Safety protocols in place. To help safeguard employees and the community, DPW crews will continue to wear masks, practice social distancing, hand wash and hand sanitize frequently. Vehicles and equipment will be cleaned and sanitized before and after every shift.

    Throughout the holidays, District residents are also encouraged to recycle holiday food containers like eggnog cartons, cans, and pie tins. Non-metallic wrapping paper can also be recycled along with empty, flattened gift and cardboard shipping boxes. Holiday ribbon is not recyclable and should be placed in the trash. String LED lights can be dropped off at the Fort Totten Transfer Station for electronic waste recycling.