Here’s how to recycle real Christmas trees across metro Phoenix

PHOENIX – Santa has come and gone, so the time has come to start thinking about taking down those live Christmas trees.

You can’t just box up a real tree until next year like you can with a fake.

Fortunately, most Phoenix-area cities have programs to make recycling those pine trees a breeze.

Many cities will haul them away on regularly scheduled bulk trash pickup days (check with your local municipality for details).

But what happens if you miss the day or you’d rather not wait for it?

Worry not. There are plenty of locations across the Valley where you can responsibly and conveniently dispose of your tree once you’ve removed all lights and decorations:

Apache Junction: Trees can be taken to the Paws & Claws Care Center at 725 E. Baseline Ave. or Prospector Park at 3015 N. Idaho Road 24 hours a day starting Dec. 27 through Feb. 1.

Buckeye: The city’s fire stations and the Palo Verde Energy Education Center will accept trees Jan. 8 and Jan. 15 from 8 a.m. to 11 a.m.

Chandler: Trees will be picked up on regular curbside recycling collection days through Jan. 14. There also are 11 drop-off locations located throughout the city. Live potted trees can be donated for replanting at city parks by dropping them off at the Chandler Community Center (125 E. Commonwealth Ave.) or calling 480-782-2745 to schedule a pickup.

El Mirage: Leave trees out for curbside pickup on Jan. 4 by 5:30 a.m. or drop them off Jan. 4-8 at the El Mirage Public Works facility at 10355 N. 121st Ave.

Gilbert: Trees can be dropped off at three locations: Hetchler Park at 4260 S. Greenfield Road and Nichols Park at 700 N. Higley Road from 5:30 a.m. to 10 p.m. through Jan. 9; and A to Z Rentals at 1313 E. Baseline Road from Dec. 27 through Jan. 7 from 8 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. (closed Jan. 1-2.)

Litchfield Park: Residents can drop off trees in the parking lot west of City Hall through Jan. 10. Call 623-935-1066 for details.

Mesa: The city has five drop-off locations open 24 hours through Jan. 16. Residents can also schedule curbside pickup for a fee of $25 or take trees to the Salt River Landfill at Gilbert Road and Beeline Highway from 6 a.m. to 5 p.m. through the end of January (no Sundays).

Peoria: Trees dropped off through Jan. 3 at one of the city’s six drop-off stations.

Phoenix: The city has numerous drop-off locations that will accept trees through Jan. 8. Call 602-262-6251 for more information.

Scottsdale: Collection bins are available through Jan. 17 at the following city parks: Eldorado, Chaparral, Scottsdale Ranch, Cactus, Horizon, Scottsdale Sports Complex and Thompson Peak.

Surprise: Four drop-off sites will accept trees from Dec. 27 through Jan. 18.

Tempe: Trees will be accepted through Jan. 30 at the city compost yard on Rio Road (Hardy Drive and Rio Salado Parkway).

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