City of Berkeley, CA
11/27/2024 | Press release | Distributed by Public on 11/27/2024 19:55
Reduce your holiday tree waste this season
Buy a living, compostable tree; learn composting guidelines.
Published:
November 27, 2024
Last Updated:
November 27, 2024
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.
If you get a cut tree or other type of holiday tree, know which ones can be composted and which go to your trash bin.
Consider buying a living tree to plant in your yard after the holidays - and avoid waste altogether.
Whatever tree you choose, aim for an option that minimizes waste and contributes to Berkeley's efforts to reduce landfill contributions.
Decorations, trimmings, and treatments are not compostable
If you're considering a cut tree, know that the City only composts the tree itself. Avoid trees that have been "flocked" - covered with chemicals mimicking snow. Flocked trees cannot be composted and must either fit in your trash bin or be taken to the Transfer Station.
To dispose of a compostable tree, cut the tree to fit inside your green compost cart with the lid closed. Make sure to remove all lights, decorations, tinsel, plastic bags, and plastic tree stands. If it doesn't all fit, ask a neighbor if they have space or wait until the following week to dispose of the rest.
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. Renters must provide proof of Berkeley residency before checking out tools.
Watch this video from Berkeley Community Media on how to correctly dispose a compostable tree and how your tree becomes compost here.
Trees left whole 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 per minimum load (330 pounds or less) plus $3.50 Environmental Compliance Fee
-
-
Flocked or plastic trees: $38.50 fee per minimum load (330 pounds or less) plus $3.50 Environmental Compliance Fee
As you celebrate the holidays, the City's Zero Waste Division encourages you take some steps to reduce holiday waste.