Discover the Green Secrets: 7 Ways to Responsibly Dipose of Your Artificial Christmas Tree

By John Campanini, Technical Director

Did you buy an artificial Christmas tree this year? Many did. Most artificial trees are made from PVC and metal. While this combination of materials boosts the trees’ durability, it prevents them from breaking down in landfills, where they can remain largely unchanged for hundreds of years. Ideally, you want to keep an artificial tree for 10 to 20 years to offset its carbon footprint from manufacturing and shipping.

However, if you discard the tree after 6 or 7 years (its average lifespan), you incur a significant net environmental loss compared to a real tree that can be mulched or composted. More importantly, the artificial trees can remain in landfills for hundreds, or even thousands, of years, locking in their environmental impact, leaching toxic additives into the ground, and shedding microplastics.

If you’re at all environmentally conscious, disposing of artificial trees in landfills isn’t an option. Neither is recycling them. They’re “composite” products that can’t be separated into their individual materials. However, their durability makes them outstanding candidates for donation, resale, or creative upcycling.

Below are seven practical things you can do with your artificial tree after the holidays:

1. Donate it to local organizations

If your tree is still in good condition, many non-profits would love to have it for next year. This is a great way to spread holiday cheer to those who might not have the budget for a tree. Nursing homes, hospitals, local schools, or small community churches are all places you could donate your tree to after Christmas. Organizations like Goodwill or The Salvation Army will accept artificial trees in their original boxes.

2. Transform it into wreaths and garlands

If the tree is starting to look “bald” or the stand is broken, don’t throw it out. The individual branches are perfectly usable for smaller decor. Use wire cutters to snip branches and wrap them around a wire frame. You can also twist several branches together to create a lush green runner for your mantel or staircase.

3. Convert it into a “winter” or Valentine’s tree

You don’t have to pack the tree away immediately. Many people “winterize” their trees to keep the cozy vibe through January, which you can do by removing the red and green; replace them with white lights, pinecones, and faux snowflakes. You can also spray-paint the tips of the tree pink or red and decorate it with hearts for a February conversation piece.

4. Sell it on Online Marketplaces

Artificial trees can be expensive, so there is a high demand for used ones in good condition. Use Facebook Marketplace, Nextdoor, or Craigslist to promote your tree’s availability. If you sell it in January, you might get a lower price, but it clears up your storage space immediately.

5. Dismantle for scrap metal recycling

While the PVC “needles” are rarely recyclable, the internal frame of an artificial tree is usually made of high-quality steel or aluminum, which you can recycle. Use pliers to strip the plastic branches away from the central metal pole. Then, take the metal pole and the metal branch centers to a local scrap metal recycler. They may even pay you something for the weight!

6. Contribute to school art projects

Art teachers and community centers often seek textured materials for crafts. Branch tips from your tree, for example, can be used for “evergreen” dioramas, architectural models, or even as stamps for textured painting. This approach has two benefits: It keeps plastic out of the landfill while supporting local education.

7. Organize a proper bulk pickup

If the tree is truly at the end of its life and cannot be reused, do not put it in your standard recycling bin—it could jam the machines. Instead, add it to a bulk pickup pile. Most cities, however, require you to schedule a “Bulk Item” pickup. Of course, you may need to break the tree down into its 3–4 main sections and place them in a specific box or bag as per your local waste management guidelines. Always follow these guidelines. They save time and money.

Donation Centers in Rhode Island

For damaged or no longer usable trees, Rhode Island residents can dispose of them through the city’s bulky waste program. Other donation centers include:

• Savers—This organization is a convenient option in the North Providence area for those who want to donate household seasonal items. It generally accepts boxed artificial trees that include all their parts. 

• Goodwill, Providence, RI, Attended Donation Center—It serves as a primary drop-off point for those wishing to support Goodwill’s mission. This location is part of their larger Rhode Island campus and is dedicated to receiving public donations.

• Salvation Army Thrift Store & Donation Center—Located on Pitman Street, this non-profit is a well-known charity hub in the East Side of Providence. They accept various holiday items, including artificial trees, to stock their thrift store, with proceeds benefiting their adult rehabilitation programs.

• Rhode Island Resource Recovery / Central Landfill—Many artificial trees have heavy-duty metal frames. If you are willing to strip away the plastic needles, the metal center can be recycled as scrap metal at the landfill in Johnston or through a local private scrap yard.

If you live in Providence, you can schedule a free pickup for up to 3 bulky items per week. Artificial trees are considered bulky waste. You must call Waste Management at 800-972-4545 or use their online portal to schedule an appointment before putting the tree at the curb.