CALIFORNIA, Md. – As the holiday season wraps up, counties across Southern Maryland are offering convenient options for residents to recycle their live Christmas trees. The recycling programs, which transform the trees into mulch, are designed to promote environmental sustainability and benefit local communities.
St. Mary’s County
Residents in St. Mary’s County can drop off undecorated Christmas trees at the Landfill and Convenience Centers from December 26, 2024, to January 31, 2025. Trees should be free of decorations and placed in designated areas.
Last year, the county collected nearly two tons of trees, which were combined with yard waste to produce mulch. Approximately 5,000 tons of mulch are made available annually at the St. Andrews Landfill, free of charge to county residents. For more information, visit St. Mary’s County Government’s website for additional details.
Calvert County
Calvert County residents are encouraged to recycle their live Christmas greenery, including trees, wreaths, and garlands, at no charge at county convenience centers between December 26, 2024, and January 31, 2025. After January 31, recycling must be done at the Appeal Landfill, where yard waste fees apply.
Before dropping off items, residents must remove all decorations, lights, and metal supports. Greenery will be mulched and made available to residents for free. Wrapping paper and cardboard boxes are also accepted at convenience centers year-round, provided they are free of ribbons and packing materials. Visit Calvert County’s website for additional details.
Charles County
Charles County offers Christmas tree recycling from December 26, 2024, through January 10, 2025, at 12 designated locations. Trees must be stripped of all ornaments, tinsel, and plastic bags before being dropped off.
Recycling sites include:
- Breeze Farm Recycling Center: 15950 Cobb Island Road, Cobb Island
- Calvary Gospel Church – Route 228, 11150 Berry Road, Waldorf
- Charles County Courthouse – Talbot Street, La Plata
- Billingsley Road Recycling Center*: 12305 Billingsley Road, Waldorf
- Gilbert Run Park Recycling Center: 13140 Charles Street, Charlotte Hall
- Pinefield Park: Pinefield Road, Waldorf
- Piney Church Road Mulch Facility: Piney Church Road, Waldorf
- Pisgah Recycling Center*: 6645 Mason Springs Road, La Plata
- Route 5 Park N’ Ride: Mattawoman-Beantown Road, Waldorf
- Radio Station Road: Across from Laurel Springs Park in La Plata
- Ruth B. Swann Memorial Park: Ruth B. Swan Drive, Bryans Road (Off Route 210)
- St. Nicholas Drive: St. Nicholas Drive, Waldorf (Off Smallwood Drive)
Trees collected will be processed into mulch, which is offered free to county residents. Visit Charles County’s website for additional details.
By recycling your Christmas tree, you contribute to a sustainable holiday tradition that benefits the environment and the local community.
Contact our news desk at [email protected]