Reduce your holiday tree waste this season

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 another type of holiday tree, know which ones you can compost and which ones you should throw away in the 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.

transfer station tree drop-off

You may prefer dropping off discarded trees at the Transfer Station. The fees include:

• Compostable trees:
  • 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.

Links

• Berkeley Tool Lending Library
• City of Berkeley Transfer Station
• Video: Tips to reduce holiday tree waste (Berkeley Community Media)