Vancouver Residents Urged to Recycle Christmas Trees for Composting

Residents of Vancouver are encouraged to recycle their live Christmas trees, transforming them into nutrient-rich compost. The City of Vancouver has outlined several convenient and free options for the disposal of cut trees, promoting environmental sustainability and community support.

Recycling Options for Christmas Trees

Vancouver residents can participate in the tree recycling initiative through four straightforward methods. These include bringing trees to a Lions Club chipping event, dropping them off at the Vancouver South Transfer Station or the Vancouver Landfill, setting them out for curbside collection, or cutting them into smaller pieces for disposal in green bins.

Before recycling, it is essential to remove all lights, decorations, and tinsel from the tree. Artificial trees and those treated with artificial snow or foam are not accepted in this program.

Lions Club Chipping Events

The Lions Club will host tree chipping events on Saturday, January 10, 2026, and Sunday, January 11, 2026, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Donations of cash and non-perishable food items will be welcomed at these events, with contributions directed to local charities. The chipping will take place at several locations, including:

– King George Secondary School
– Kitsilano Beach
– Kerrisdale Ice Arena (north parking lot)
– Trout Lake Community Centre

These events not only provide a sustainable option for tree disposal but also foster community spirit through charitable giving.

Residents can also take advantage of free drop-off services at the Vancouver South Transfer Station located at 377 West Kent Avenue North, and the Vancouver Landfill at 5400 72nd Street in Delta. This service is available until January 31, 2026.

For those opting for curbside collection, households with City green bin service can place their trees out for pickup by 7 a.m. on Saturday, January 10, 2026. The collection will continue until the end of January, making it easier for residents to participate.

To prepare for curbside pickup, residents should follow these guidelines:

– Remove all lights, decorations, and tinsel
– Lay the tree on its side
– Place it where garbage and green bins are typically set out, ensuring visibility from the street or lane
– Keep the tree loose, avoiding the use of bags, rope, or string

If residents miss the scheduled collection dates, they can cut their trees into pieces that fit within their green bins. Each piece should measure less than 50 cm (18 inches) in length and less than 10 cm (4 inches) in diameter, with the lid of the green bin closing completely.

It is important to note that during January and February, green bin collection will switch from weekly to biweekly service.

All collected Christmas trees and leaves will be processed at the Vancouver Landfill, where they will be converted into nutrient-rich compost. This compost is then sold to residential gardeners, landscapers, and parks departments, contributing to the city’s eco-friendly initiatives.

For more information on the Christmas tree recycling options, residents can visit the City of Vancouver’s official website at vancouver.ca. By participating in this recycling program, residents not only help reduce waste but also support local charities and enhance community sustainability.