Christmas tree recycling tips; locations available in Carmel Valley, Del Mar, Solana Beach

This year, after the presents are opened and the ornaments are removed from the once-sparkling Christmas tree, Waste Management of North County and Coast Waste Management invite residents to recycle their tree.

“Christmas trees can do more than brighten the hearts of children this holiday season,” said Lori Somers of Waste Management. “Trees can be recycled and given back to nature in the form of mulch.”

Residential customers may conveniently recycle their trees curbside as follows:

Del Mar: Tree pick up will begin on resident’s normally scheduled collection day Dec. 26 through Saturday, Jan. 10 with tree drop off at the Public Works yard 2240 Jimmy Durante Blvd. through Jan. 10. For the weeks of Dec. 22 and Dec. 29, collection will be delayed one day for customers normally serviced on Thursday or Friday.

Solana Beach: Tree pick up will begin on residents’ normally scheduled collection day Dec. 26 through Saturday, Jan. 10 with tree drop locations at 715 Valley Ave., and 635 S. Highway 101. For the weeks of Dec. 22 and Dec. 29, collection will be delayed one day for customers normally serviced on Thursday or Friday.

When placing trees for curbside collection, customers should follow these guidelines:

• Remove all decorations, including tinsel, lights, ornaments and tree stands.

• Trees taller than six feet must be cut in half and placed next to your green waste cart.

• When possible, residents are asked to cut down the tree so that it fits inside the green waste cart, with the lid closed for collection.

Please note that flocked trees cannot be recycled and must be disposed of through regular trash service. Flocked trees must fit into the trash cart, with the lid closed for collection.

Carmel Valley: For residents with yard waste collection, place trees on the curb on regular greenery recycling pickup day. Trees over 4 feet should be cut in half. Customers using the large, green 96-gallon bin provided by the city should cut their trees to fit into the automated container on collection day.

The city of San Diego will host its annual tree recycling program from Dec. 26-Jan. 23 at 16 drop-off locations, including the Carmel Valley Recreation Center’s lower lot. Both green and flocked trees are accepted. All tree stands, lights, ornaments and other decorations should be removed. No artificial trees.