While it may be tempting to leave your Christmas tree up a little longer, it could increase the chances of a fire incident. According to the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), nearly 30% of Christmas tree fires occur in January. That’s why State Fire Marshall Jimmy Patronis is encouraging Floridians to get rid of their tree quickly after the holidays. But what’s the best way to dispose of your tree? First for every county, make sure all decorations, including tinsel, are removed from your tree. Then cut your tree into sections no larger than 4-feet long. Bay News 9 told us the Christmas tree disposal locations, by county.
Hillsborough County
After removing lights and decorations, place your cut up tree curbside on your regular yard waste collection day. You can also drop off your tree at these yard waste processing facilities:
- 13000 U.S. Highway 41 in Gibsonton
- 8001 W. Linebaugh Ave. in Tampa
Pinellas County
Pinellas County residents are encouraged to participate in available Christmas Tree-to-Mulch programs. Trees are accepted for a small fee at the Pinellas County Solid Waste Disposal Complex. There, the trees will be ground into useable mulch that is given away for free to residents. St. Petersburg is also hosting a one-time citywide Christmas tree collection event on Saturday, January 8, 2023. Place the tree out for collection before 7 a.m. in the same location where trash is usually collected – if trash is picked up at the curb, trees should be placed at the curb; if trash is picked up in the alley, trees should be placed in the alley.
You can also drop your tree off at Brush Sites. Residents should bring photo ID and utility bill for proof of residency.
Pasco County
Every year the Recycling Department, Parks and Recreation and some private businesses partner to offer Christmas tree recycling drop offs to Pasco citizens. Here are some of the drop off sites:
- Veterans Memorial Park, 14333 Hicks Rd, Hudson
- Wesley Chapel District Park, North end at Overpass Road, 7727 Boyette Road, Wesley Chapel
- Land O’Lakes Heritage Park, 5401 Land O’Lakes Blvd,
- Jay B. Starkey Wilderness Park, 10500 Wilderness Park Rd, New Port Richey
Citrus County
Citrus County residents can recycle their “natural” Christmas Trees at the Citrus County Landfill, from December 27 through January 31, free of charge.
Hernando County
Live Christmas trees may be disposed of on your regularly scheduled yard waste day if they are cut to less than four-foot lengths and cleaned of all Christmas decorations, including tinsel.
Manatee County
Live Christmas trees can be set out at the curb on your yard waste collection day for recycling. You can also use your free annual special pickup to have your tree collected. Artificial trees are not collected with yard waste.
Polk County
Call (863) 284-4319 for information.
