Holiday Recycling Guide for San Diego County

As the holiday season wraps up, it's time to responsibly recycle your Christmas tree and other holiday waste. Proper disposal helps reduce waste and supports a cleaner environment. Here’s everything you need to know about recycling in San Diego County, including detailed locations, important dates, and guidelines.  

Where to Recycle Your Christmas Tree  

San Diego County provides several convenient options for Christmas tree recycling:  

1. Use WasteFreeSD.org 

Visit WasteFreeSD.org and search "Christmas tree" to locate nearby recycling drop-off points.  

2. Curbside Pickup  

Check with your waste hauler to confirm if they offer curbside pickup for Christmas trees. Ensure your tree is properly prepared according to their guidelines.  

3. Drop-Off Locations and Dates 

The County Department of Public Works has organized numerous free drop-off locations as part of San Diego’s 51st Annual Christmas Tree Recycling Program.  

Through January 6:  

- Bonsall: Northwest parking lot, 5256 Mission Road  

- Escondido: Kit Carson Park south entrance, 333 Bear Valley Parkway  

- Escondido: Desmond Dene Park parking lot next to ball fields, 2401 N. Broadway  

- Escondido: San Pasqual Valley Soils, 16111 Old Milky Way  

- Ramona: Ramona High School, 1401 Hanson St.  

- San Diego Country Estates: The Village Shopping Center, 23658 San Vicente Road  

- San Marcos: Senior Center, 111 Richmar Ave.  

- Vista: Public lot of Vale Terrace Drive at Williamston across the street from Vista Community, 1000 Vale Terrace Drive  

- Valley Center: Valley Center Elementary School lower parking lot, 28751 Cole Grade Road  

Through January 9:  

- Santee: Sycamore Landfill, 8514 Mast Blvd.  

Through January 12:  

- La Mesa: EDCO Station, 8184 Commercial St.  

- Lemon Grove: Treganza Heritage Park, 3200 Main St.  

Through January 13:  

- El Cajon: Public Works Operations Yard, 1050 Vernon Way  

- El Cajon: Wells Park, 1153 E. Madison Ave.  

Through January 14:  

- Carlsbad: Fire Station, 1275 Carlsbad Village Drive  

- Carlsbad: Palomar Transfer Station, 5960 El Camino Real  

- Encinitas: Stagecoach Park, 3420 Camino del los Coches  

- Coronado: Parking lot across from Fire Station 99, Grand Caribe Isle  

- Coronado: Glorietta Bay Park boat ramp parking lot, 1975 Strand Way  

- Del Mar: Public Works, 240 Jimmy Durante Blvd.  

- National City: Las Palmas Park Pool parking lot, 1800 E. 22nd St.  

Through January 17:  

- Solana Beach: La Colonia County Park, 715 Valley Ave.  

Through January 27:  

- Imperial Beach: Public Works, 495 10th St.  

- Imperial Beach: Boys and Girls Club, 847 Encina Ave.  

Through January 31:  

- Otay Mesa: Compost Facility, 434 Alta Road  

- Oceanside: El Corazon Compost Facility, 310 Oceanside Blvd.  

Preparing Your Tree for Recycling  

To ensure your tree can be recycled, follow these steps:  

- Remove Decorations: Take off all ornaments, lights, tinsel, and the tree stand.  

- No Flocked Trees: Trees with artificial snow (flocked trees) are typically not accepted. Contact specific locations for disposal options.  

- Green Bin Option: If your tree fits in the green bin with the lid closed, you can place it curbside for pickup.  

Recycling Other Holiday Waste 

In addition to your Christmas tree, other holiday materials can also be recycled:  

- Wrapping Paper: Only recycle plain paper wrapping; avoid glitter or metallic finishes.  

- Holiday Cards: Recycle paper cards but discard those with glitter or metallic accents.  

- Packaging: Flatten cardboard boxes for recycling. Dispose of bubble wrap and foam packaging separately.  

Recycling your Christmas tree and holiday waste is a simple way to reduce waste and help the environment. With numerous drop-off locations and curbside options available throughout San Diego County, recycling has never been easier. By participating, you’re contributing to a cleaner, greener community as we head into the new year.