Christmas tree recycling
Christmas tree recycling in San Diego. Image from city video

The city’s 46th annual Christmas tree recycling program will begin Thursday, with 17 drop-off locations located throughout the San Diego area.

“We encourage residents to bring their clean, undecorated Christmas trees to any of our 17 drop-off locations within the city,” said Gene Matter, interim director of the Environmental Services Department.

“Recycling these trees helps us reduce the amount of waste going into the Miramar Landfill, and helps the city meet its sustainability goals by converting the trees into high- quality mulch and compost that city residents can pick up for free at the Miramar Greenery,” he said.

The drop-off locations are:

  • Carmel Valley Recreation Center, 3777 Townsgate Drive, lower parking lot
  • Encanto, Cielo Drive at Woodman Street
  • Golden Hill Recreation Center, 2600 Golf Course Drive
  • La Jolla, Kate Sessions Memorial Park, corner of Mt. Soledad Road and Loring Street
  • The Greenery at the Miramar Landfill, 5180 Convoy St.
  • Logan Heights, Memorial Recreation Center, 2902 Marcy Ave.
  • Mission Bay, Seaworld Drive at Pacific Highway
  • Mountain View, Ocean View Boulevard at 40th Street (north side)
  • Oak Park, Chollas Lake, 6350 College Grove Drive, in Gloria’s Mesa parking lot
  • Ocean Beach, Robb Field Recreation Center, 2525 Bacon St.
  • Otay Mesa/Nestor,  Montgomery Waller Community Park, lower parking lot on the southeast corner of Palm Avenue and Beyer Boulevard
  • Rancho Bernardo Recreation Center, 18448 W. Bernardo Drive
  • Rancho Penasquitos, Canyonside Recreation Center, 12350 Black Mountain Road
  • San Diego State University, Parking Lot 17C off of Alvarado Road
  • Scripps Ranch Recreation Center, 11454 Blue Cypress Drive
  • Tierrasanta, De Portola Middle School, 11010 Clairemont Mesa Blvd.
  • University City, Swanson Pool, 3585 Governor Drive

Both green and flocked trees are accepted. All tree stands, bags, netting, lights, ornaments, tinsel and other decorations must be removed. No artificial trees will be accepted.

Residents are warned not to illegally leave any other items at the drop-off locations.

The recycling program, which is for city residents only, will run until Jan. 23.

— City News Service

Chris Jennewein is Editor & Publisher of Times of San Diego.