Where to Toss Christmas Trees, Holiday Lights in Chicago

Ready to dump your Christmas tree and holiday lights? Here’s what Chicagoans should know about where to discard festive decor.

How to Toss Trees

Make sure your trees aren’t wrapped in plastic or have ornaments and lights.

• ♻️ The city’s holiday recycling program kicks off at 27 parks Saturday and runs until Jan. 20. Get free mulch from select drop-off spots starting Monday.
• ♻️ Check your local Home Depot to see if it will accept your tree.
• ♻️ WasteNot Compost is doing its annual tree pickup for members.
• ♻️ Suburban sanitation departments often pick up trees curbside.

Where to Throw Away Lights

Don’t want to “leave the Christmas lights up til January?” If they’re broken, consider recycling them!

• ✨ Reduce Waste Chicago is accepting drop-offs at nearly two dozen spots through Jan. 31.
• ✨ Suburban governments and orgs have various drop-off sites.