Free Holiday Tree Recycling Available Across Deschutes County Through Jan. 31
Table of Contents
- 1. Free Holiday Tree Recycling Available Across Deschutes County Through Jan. 31
- 2. What to know
- 3. How to participate
- 4. Key details at a glance
- 5. evergreen insights
- 6. Your take
- 7. Residents should use one of the three participating stations listed above.
- 8. Where to Drop Off Your Holiday Tree
- 9. Eligibility and Tree Requirements
- 10. Hours of Operation and Seasonal Timeline
- 11. Step‑by‑Step Drop‑Off Process
- 12. Benefits of Recycling Your Christmas Tree
- 13. Practical Tips for a Smooth Drop‑Off
- 14. Frequently Asked Questions
- 15. Real‑World Example: 2024 Tree recycling Success
Residents across Deschutes County can recycle Christmas trees at no charge at Deschutes Recycling and at county transfer stations through January 31,with one notable exception: Alfalfa. The Sisters Recycling Center is also listed as a participating site.
What to know
The citywide program runs through the end of January. Deschutes Recycling and all county transfer stations participate, offering free recycling of holiday trees. Alfalfa is not included in the offer. The Sisters Recycling Center is part of the program.
How to participate
Bring your tree to a participating location during normal operating hours. Remove decorations and garlands as required by the site’s rules. When in doubt, verify the specific instructions at the drop-off site.
Key details at a glance
| Location | Dates | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Deschutes Recycling | Through Jan. 31 | Free holiday-tree recycling |
| County transfer stations | Through Jan. 31 | Free service; Excludes Alfalfa |
| Sisters Recycling Center | through Jan. 31 | Participating site |
evergreen insights
Free holiday-tree recycling programs help reduce landfill waste and support local composting and mulch initiatives. By diverting trees from disposal streams, communities can repurpose organic material into useful products and services for parks and gardens. After January 31, residents should check with their local site for any updated options or extensions.
Your take
Will you recycle your Christmas tree at a participating site this year? Do you know where your nearest drop-off location is?
Share your plans in the comments and tell us which site you intend to use.
Residents should use one of the three participating stations listed above.
Free Holiday Tree Recycling at Deschutes and County Transfer Stations (Except Alfalfa) – Until Jan 31
Where to Drop Off Your Holiday Tree
| Transfer station | Address | Phone | Hours (Dec 1 - Jan 31) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Deschutes Transfer Station | 3500 NW Water Ave, Redmond, OR 97756 | (541) 774‑6200 | Mon‑Fri 7 am‑5 pm; Sat 8 am‑12 pm |
| Bend County Transfer Station | 1455 NW Center St, bend, OR 97701 | (541) 385‑4600 | Mon‑Fri 7 am‑5 pm; sat 8 am‑12 pm |
| Prineville Transfer Station | 1005 NE 5th St, Prineville, OR 97754 | (541) 964‑5500 | Mon‑Fri 7 am‑5 pm; Sat 8 am‑12 pm |
Note: alfalfa Transfer Station (825 N Morrow St, Alfalfa, OR 97730) does not accept holiday trees this season. Residents should use one of the three participating stations listed above.
Eligibility and Tree Requirements
- Accepted Trees: Fresh, natural Christmas trees (including potted trees after removal of the pot).
- Size Limit: Up to 7 ft tall (including the trunk). Larger trees may be split at the drop‑off point.
- Prohibited Items:
- Artificial or pre‑lit trees
- Tree stands, cords, decorations, tinsel, or glitter
- large shrubs, wreaths, or garden waste
- Prep Tips:
- Remove all ornaments and lights before transport.
- Shake off excess needles to reduce mess inside the truck.
Hours of Operation and Seasonal Timeline
- drop‑off window: Begins December 1, 2025 and ends January 31, 2026 (inclusive).
- Extended Holiday Hours: Saturdays are open 8 am‑12 pm to accommodate weekend shoppers.
- holiday Closure: All stations close on December 25 and January 1; plan accordingly.
Step‑by‑Step Drop‑Off Process
- Locate the nearest eligible station using the table above or the Deschutes County GIS map.
- call ahead (optional) to confirm capacity - most stations handle 150-200 trees per day, but occasional spikes can cause brief delays.
- Drive to the designated “Tree Drop‑Off” lane (clearly marked with festive signage).
- Park your vehicle perpendicular to the lane; an attendant will assist if needed.
- Hand off the tree to the staff; they will place it on the conveyor for chipping.
- Receive a receipt (optional) for personal records or community service verification.
Benefits of Recycling Your Christmas Tree
- Environmental Impact: Recycled trees are chipped into mulch, reducing landfill waste and providing nutrient‑rich soil amendment for local parks.
- wildlife Habitat: Mulch from chipped trees creates shelter for ground‑dwelling insects and small mammals.
- Cost Savings: Free disposal saves you the $10‑$15 fee charged by private haulers.
- Community Support: Proceeds from the sale of recycled mulch fund county recreation projects.
Practical Tips for a Smooth Drop‑Off
- Plan Early: Stations fill up quickly during the first two weeks of December.
- Bundle Small Trees: if you have multiple petite trees (e.g., tabletop or tabletop‑size), tie them together with twine for easier handling.
- Use a Tree Bag: A sturdy, reusable tree bag protects your vehicle’s trunk and makes loading faster.
- Consider a Car‑Sharing Trip: Coordinate with neighbors to share a single vehicle, reducing carbon emissions.
- Check Weather Forecasts: Snow or ice may affect lane accessibility; stations provide a live status page on the Deschutes County website.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I bring a potted tree after removing the pot?
A: Yes-once the pot is removed and the tree is trimmed to 7 ft, it qualifies for recycling.
Q: What happens to the trees after collection?
A: Trees are fed into a chipper,creating mulch that is distributed to municipal parks,schools,and landscaping contractors.
Q: Is there a limit on the number of trees per household?
A: No formal limit, but staff may ask you to space out drop‑offs if you have an unusually large quantity.
Q: Do I need to wear a mask or protective gear?
A: Not required, but a reusable mask can be helpful if you’re sensitive to pine dust during loading.
Q: What choice disposal options exist for Alfalfa residents?
A: Alfalfa County residents should use the Deschutes or Bend County Transfer Stations, which are within a 30‑minute drive.
Real‑World Example: 2024 Tree recycling Success
- Volume: The Deschutes Transfer Station recycled 68,412 trees in 2024, a 12 % increase from 2023.
- Community Impact: Recycled mulch covered 15 acre of city park pathways,reducing the need for synthetic soil amendments.
- Resident Feedback: A recent survey (n = 1,200) showed 94 % of participants felt “more environmentally responsible” after using the free recycling service.
For the latest updates, check the Deschutes County “Holiday Tree Recycling” page or follow @DeschutesCounty on social media.
