10 drop off sites to recycle your old Christmas tree

If you went with a live Christmas tree this year, you might be wondering where you can recycle it once the needles start to fall. Luckily for you, we’ve gathered all the places in Birmingham where you can drop off that wilting tree. Keep reading for all our tips!

Upcycle your Christams tree

Love the smell of pine? Well, you can keep that fresh scent around a little longer with these upcycling hacks.

• Keep some branches for authentic freshners
• Create firewood from the evergreen wood
• Make compost (wood chips are an excellent source of carbon!)
• Make a fire (safely) and use the wood ash to feed your garden

1. Birmingham Zoo

Our beloved zoo has the longest record for recycling trees in Birmingham. Since they turn the recycled trees into mulch, recycling your Christmas tree here with help preserve the zoo grounds by controlling runoff and erosion.

Starting December 26, you can drop off your tree during regular business hours. Make your way to their designated tree drop area by the construction entrance on Cahaba Road.

• Where: 2630 Cahaba Rd, Birmingham, AL 35223
• Hours: Wednsday, Saturday-Sunday 9AM-4PM | Thursday 9AM-1PM
• Call: Mountain Brook Public Works 205-802-3867

Shelby County Drop Offs

Starting after Christmas and going on through mid-January, you can drop off your Christmas trees at these locations in Shelby County.

1. Chelsea City Hall on CR-47 in Chelsea (Because of construction at City Hall, you can drop off your trees across from the community center in the gravel lot between the ball parks and Liberty Baptist.)
2. Ray Building on AL-70 in Columbiana
3. Propst Promenade Alabaster located at the end of AmStar Theatre parking lot
4. Pelham City Park on US-31 in Pelham

The city will turn these beautiful trees into mulch for sedimentation control, so your favorite parks—like Oak Mountain State Park—can stay beautiful.

Say bye to your Christmas tree in the City of Birmingham

The city of Birmingham has plenty of options for you to say goodbye to your old tree. Check out some ways to recycle your Christmas tree around the Birmingham area.

• If you live in the city, you can place your tree out on days bulk trash is picked up. Stay updated on the pick-up schedule.
• Birmingham roll off containers: Ensley District 1044 Ave W Birmingham, AL 35214 | Eastend District 301 96th St N Birmingham, AL 35206 | North Bham District 2413 27th St N Birmingham, AL 35234 | Southside District 501 6th Ave S Birmingham, AL 35205

Last but not least—curbside

The City of Homewood offers curbside pickup for trees. But if you want to recycle, then take the tree to a bin on the gravel lot at Manhattan St near the park. There’s also a drop-off site at Mega Field at the West Homewood Athletic Complex.

Curbside pickup is also available for Vestavia Hills residents. You can recycle your tree hrough January 10, just drop off your tree at Scout Square off of Highway 31 near Walgreens.

Remember this tip: if you’re dropping off trees, make sure they are free of decorations and lights. Wreaths and garlands can’t be recycled.

BONUS—here’s where to drop off/recycle your tree around Huntsville.

Are you going to recycle your tree this year? Tag us @bhamnow to let us know.