How, where and why to recycle your Christmas tree in Columbus
Columbus residents looking to get rid of their Christmas tree can do so in a way that’s better for the environment this year: recycling it.
Locals can take their Christmas trees to one of five drop-off locations, where they will be recycled by Keep Columbus Beautiful.
The trees will be put into the Chattahoochee River, and they can provide reef-like structures for fish and reduce waste in a crowded landfill.
“Trees will be repurposed to support local aquatic environments by creating fish habitats that strengthen ecosystems and improve water quality,” Keep Columbus Beautiful said in a news release.
This year, the annual tree recycling campaign is done in partnership with Columbus Water Works. Lisa Thomas-Cutts, executive director of the Keep Columbus Beautiful Commission, said the partnership allows the commission to connect waste reduction, water production and a seasonal item into a meaningful environmental solution long after the holidays.
Recycling trees conserves landfill space. The Pine Grove Landfill’s airspace is expected to deplete soon with plans to expand the landfill in the works. An added benefit to keeping the trees out of the landfill is a reduction in methane emissions from the tree decomposing. One climate change consultancy, Carbon Trust, found a Christmas tree in a landfill emits around 16 kilograms of carbon dioxide. The Environmental Protection Agency’s greenhouse gas calculator finds that is equivalent to about a 41-mile drive, or a trip from Columbus to LaGrange, in a gas car.
The drop-off locations have signs showing where to take the tree, and they are open for drop-off 24 hours a day until Jan. 12.
- Cooper Creek Park
- Shirley Winston Park
- Dinglewood Park
- Britt David Park
- Oxbow Meadows Environmental Learning Center
The administrative coordinator for Keep Columbus Beautiful, Roy Clarkson, told the Ledger-Enquirer trees put near garbage will not get picked up by Columbus Public Works. The tree also must be free of ornaments, lights and other items that would be considered trash in a river.
“The city will not pick it up,” he said.
Clarkson said, last year, trees were put in Lake Oliver. The specific destination in the river for this year will soon be decided by the partner, Columbus Water Works.
“Recycling your Christmas tree is an easy way for residents to make a positive environmental impact,” said Anthony Johnson, Christmas Tree Recycling Campaign co-chair. “It’s a small step that supports cleaner water and healthier habitats right here in Columbus.”
This story was originally published December 30, 2025 at 6:00 AM.
