Christmas Tree Composting

Real Christmas tree collection dates: January 5 - 9, 2026

To have your tree picked up curbside for free, please see the guidelines below.

Guidelines:

  • Remove all decorations, including flocking, ornaments, tinsel, lights, etc.
  • If the tree is 6 feet or longer, cut sections of 4 feet or less (bundle sections together).
  • Set the tree 3 feet from your trash and recycling carts by 6 AM on your regularly scheduled trash day.
  • NO artificial trees. To dispose of large artificial trees, visit the Bulky Item Webpage.

Please note that trees are collected by a separate truck, which may come at a different time than your regular trash pickup.

Before tree with decorations and after tree with no decorations

Additional Free Disposal Locations:

Meridian residents can drop off real trees at the following locations; the above guidelines still apply:

  • Meridian Transfer Station: December 26, 2025 -  January 17, 2026
  • Ada County Landfill: December 26, 2025 - January 10, 2026

All real trees are brought to the Ada County Landfill, where they are collected and composted by Timber Creek Recycling.