By David Goldstein, Ventura County Public Works Agency –
Recycling your Christmas tree is an annual ritual, but varying rules, dates, and deadlines can make it confusing. Beyond grinding your tree for on-site mulch—the most environmentally friendly option—cutting your tree into four-foot sections and placing them in your curbside yard waste recycling cart is the next best method. Be sure to remove all decorations, stands, and other items.
Special Cases
- Fire-proofed trees should go into trash carts rather than yard waste or organics carts.
- Flocked trees can be recycled with organics in Oxnard and areas serviced by Harrison Industries.
Whole Tree Pickup
If you cannot cut your tree to fit in your cart, free whole-tree pickup is available in some locations through specified dates. Harrison Industries offers free whole-tree collection on your regular collection day through Jan. 10. After this date, setting out a tree may incur special collection charges unless you arrange for your annually allocated free bulky item pickup with your trash collector.
For Multi-Family Residents
If you live in an apartment or condominium without yard waste service, ask your property manager to arrange special collection service with your hauler.
Drop-Off Sites
For businesses, homes without curbside yard waste service, and apartments without yard waste bins, free Christmas tree recycling is available through Jan. 10 at the following locations:
- Agromin Organics: 6859 Arnold Road, near Oxnard. Hours: Monday–Friday, 7 a.m.–4:30 p.m.; Saturday, 7 a.m.–3 p.m.
- Agromin Corporate Office: 201 Kinetic Drive, Oxnard. Hours: Monday–Friday, 7 a.m.–4:30 p.m.
- Peach Hill Soils (Performance Nursery): 6101 E. Los Angeles Ave., Somis. Hours: Monday–Friday, 7 a.m.–1 p.m.; Saturday, 7 a.m.–3 p.m.
- Peach Hill Soils Compost Site: 10765 W. Los Angeles Ave., near Moorpark. Hours: Monday–Friday, 7 a.m.–4 p.m.; Saturday, 7 a.m.–2 p.m.
While supplies last, Agromin and Peach Hill are offering a free bag of potting soil to residents dropping off trees.
Extra Trash Allowances
Some areas permit residents to set out extra trash for a limited time after Christmas:
- Harrison Industries areas: Through Jan. 10, residents can place up to double their regular trash volume at no extra charge. Tied bags can be placed next to trash carts, and collapsed cardboard can be placed next to recycling carts.
By following these guidelines, Ventura residents can recycle Christmas trees responsibly while minimizing waste.
David Goldstein, Environmental Resource Analyst with the Ventura County Public Works Agency, may be reached at (805) 658-4312 or david.goldstein@ventura.org
