Your Philly Christmas tree could get a second life benefitting city gardens, trails and even goats: Here’s how to recycle or compost

Philadelphia’s Department of Sanitation will run its Christmas tree recycling program from Monday, Jan. 5, through Saturday, Jan. 17, when residents may bring their trees to a designated drop-off location or to a sanitation convenience center.

Before you do, be sure to remove all ornaments, lights and any cords or twine used to bind the tree.

Below is a look at 2025-2026 community events where residents may recycle their Christmas trees:

Philly Goat Project

Philly Goat Project will host its tree-cycle festival across three dates and two different sites. A $20 suggested donation for each tree supports free PGP programming all year.

A tree is not required to attend the festival, which will feature family-friendly activities, s’mores and hot cocoa and, yes, goats.

For the Awbury Arboretum events in Germantown, residents may opt for express curbside drop-off, a “G.O.A.T. Safari,” in which folks drive through the farm to drop off their trees, or “park and drag,” for those who can bring their tree in themselves.

For all tree-cycle events, remember to remove all ornaments and lights before donating.

Sunday, Jan. 11 | 12 – 3 p.m.
The Farm at Awbury Arboretum
6336 Ardleigh St., Philadelphia, PA 19138

Saturday, Jan. 17 | 12 – 3 p.m.
Laurel Hill West Cemetery
215 Belmont Ave., Bala Cynwyd, PA 19004

• No rain date

Saturday, Jan. 24  | 11 a.m. – 3 p.m.
The Farm at Awbury Arboretum
6336 Ardleigh St., Philadelphia, PA 19138

• Rain date: Sunday, Jan. 25

Fishtown Neighbors Association

Saturday, Jan. 10  | 10 a.m. – 2 p.m.
2501 E. Cumberland St., Philadelphia, PA 19125

• Cost: Suggested donation of $5, to benefit the Fishtown Neighbors Association
• Trees will be turned into mulch and dispersed to local parks and green spaces.

Passyunk Square Civic Association

Saturday, Jan. 10  | 9 a.m. – 2 p.m.
Columbus Square Park, 1200 Wharton St., Philadelphia, PA 19147

• Cost: Suggested donation of $5 (cash or Venmo)

Friends of Schuylkill River Park

Saturday, Jan. 3, and Saturday, Jan. 10  | 9 a.m. – 2 p.m.
300 S. 25th St., Philadelphia, PA 19103

• Cost: Recommended donation of $20
• Trees will be turned into mulch for park plantings.

Alternatively, residents may opt for private pick-up service through one of the organizations below:

Circle Compost

• Cost: $20
• Pick-up weekends: Saturday, Jan. 3, through Sunday, Jan. 4; Saturday, Jan. 10, through Sunday, Jan. 11; Saturday, Jan. 17, through Sunday, Jan. 18

Bennett Compost

• Cost: $20, includes curbside pick-up
• Pick-up dates: Choose a preferred pick-up date.