Don’t Trash That Tree: How Calvert Residents Can Recycle It For Free

PRINCE FREDERICK, Md. — Calvert County residents can recycle their live Christmas trees, wreaths, and garlands at county convenience centers at no charge from Dec. 26 through Jan. 31, according to a press release from the county.

Businesses can’t participate in this program and instead have to bring holiday greenery to the Appeal Landfill in Lusby. Standard waste fees will apply.

Additionally, trees must be clear of all decorations, and support frames, lights, and metal stands must also be removed. Convenience centers will also not accept trees that have been cut up or are in plastic bags.

Other recyclable materials like wrapping paper, cardboard boxes, holiday cards, and other paper can be brought to convenience centers for recycling at any time during the year. There is no cost for these items. Boxes must be flattened and free of all packing materials, ribbons, and Styrofoam.

After Jan. 31, residents looking to recycle their trees must take them directly to the Appeal Landfill, where waste fees will apply.

The National Christmas Tree Association estimates that between 25 million and 30 million live Christmas trees are sold each year in the U.S. Many trees wind up in landfills, where they can’t break down naturally into the soil.

Recycling programs like the one in Calvert County break down the trees into mulch or other materials that can be used for a variety of purposes, like creating trails in parks, adding nutrients to soil or ponds, and shoreline erosion control.

You can find convenience center locations and hours on the Calvert County website.

For information on Christmas tree recycling in St. Mary’s and Charles counties, visit: When And Where To Recycle Your Christmas Tree: Southern Maryland Counties Offer Free Drop-Off Locations.

---