Don’t Toss Your Tree! Here’s How to Recycle it, Portland-Style

Christmas trees are magical, but once the holidays are over, you’re probably thinking, “Okay, now what?” Don’t worry—we’ve got you covered! Check out these quick tips on when, where, and how to recycle your Christmas tree this year. Let’s keep the holiday spirit alive and do something good for the planet.

Don’t forget to remove all lights, wire, tinsel, ornaments, nails, stands and other materials that are not organic. The only thing that can be recycled is the tree itself. Some groups or businesses do not accept flocked trees. Christmas wreaths and swags can usually be recycled with trees, but don’t forget to remove the frames and wire. Click here for more information.

Recycle Curbside

Recycle your tree with your curbside compost or garbage collections. The rules can very depending on your location. Larger trees may need to be cut in half, or you may need to place your tree in the compost pin in a way that it slides out easily. If you aren’t sure what’s best, ask Metro. This is by far the easiest option, but fees may apply. In Portland, for example, the fee is an extra $5.25 per tree.

Topaz Farm

Drop off your tree at Topaz Farm where it will be converted into biochar, a proven method to sequester carbon while creating healthier soil and tastier food, all without chemicals. A few of the trees will be given to the goats as treats, too. Plus you’ll get to visit the animals for free while you’re there! There’s often free cocoa and a chance to shop the market, too.
Where: Topaz Farm, 17100 NW Sauvie Island Road, Portland
When: December 29, 2024, and January 4, 2025, 10 am-12 pm
Cost: No fees!

Scout Troops

You can easily find the closest drop off location to benefit a local chapter of the Boy Scouts or Girl Scouts by entering your address here. Some also pick up! The search function can be kind of finicky, but once you choose one of the official search terms from the drop down suggestions, a long list of options will populate. (Last year, Scout Pack 256 delivered the trees they collected to Topaz Farm, if you’d like to contribute to sustainable farming but can’t make it out to Sauvie Island.)
Where and When: Multiple locations and times.
Cost: Typically around $10-15

Portland Legacy Lions

Proceeds from tree recycling fees given to Portland Legacy Lions support hearing aids, eyeglasses, food assistance and more for individuals in need in the NW Portland. Portland Legacy Lions may also pick up in your area.
Where: Legacy Medical Clinic Parking Lot
When: January 4, 2025, 9 am-3 pm
Cost: $10 for drop off. $25 donation per tree pick up.

Portland Bentham Lions Club

Almost all proceeds from tree recycling fees are donated to charity.
Where: SW 45th Ave and SW Vermont Street
When: December 29, 2024, and January 4-5, 2025, 10 am-4 pm
Cost: $15 for drop off. Wreaths also accepted with a $15 suggested donation.

Create a salmon habitat!

North Clackamas Watershed Council collects donated Christmas trees to create salmon habitats.
Where: North Clackamas Park Shelter A
When: January 4, 2025, 10 am-2 pm
Cost: Typically $5

Do-It-Yourself

You can also recycle your Christmas tree at home—make mulch, firewood or even coasters.

Find even more local ways to recycle your tree through Oregon Metro. 

Please note the Christmas for Coho program recycling trees for salmon habitats did not run in 2023-24 due to a lack of volunteers. We will update this page with new information as they release it.