Buy a living tree; learn composting guidelines
When selecting your tree this holiday season, consider a plan that reduces waste and fits the City's disposal rules for when the season is over.
Living trees can be bought and planted in your yard after the holidays to avoid waste altogether.
If you decide to buy a cut tree or have other ideas for your holiday tree experience, know which trees can be composted and which go to the trash and landfills.
Decorations, trimmings, and treatments are not compostable
If you're considering a cut tree, know that we only compost the tree itself. Avoid trees that have been "flocked"—covered with chemicals mimicking snow—as they cannot be composted.
When it's time to dispose of a compostable tree, you’ll have to remove all lights, decorations, tinsel, plastic bags, and plastic tree stands. You'll have to cut the tree to fit inside your green compost cart with the lid closed.
If you don't have the tools to cut your tree, free tool rental is available through the Berkeley Tool Lending Library, located at 1901 Russell Street.
Trees left on the curb won't get picked up as they can damage City side-loader collection trucks.
Tree drop-off schedule
You may prefer dropping off discarded trees at the Transfer Station:
City of Berkeley Transfer Station
1201 2nd Street (off Gilman Avenue)
Monday - Saturday 8:00 am to 4:30 pm
Closed Christmas and New Year's days
Fees:
- Compostable trees:
- In January, free drop-off for compostable trees
- Starting February 1, $27.75 fee plus $3.50 Environmental Compliance Fee
- Flocked or plastic trees: $38.50 fee plus $3.50 Environmental Compliance Fee
As you celebrate the holidays, the City's Zero Waste Division hopes you take some steps to reduce holiday waste.
