Public Works initiates annual Christmas tree recycling program

KERN COUNTY, Calif. — Every year, Kern County Public Works promotes the Christmas Tree Recycling Program that runs from Saturday, Dec. 26, through Sunday, Jan. 10, 2021. This program encourages residents throughout the county to recycle their Christmas trees at various county and partnership locations and prevent trees from being illegally dumped or improperly recycled in the residential green waste container.

Kern County residents can recycle their Christmas trees in one of the following ways:

In the Metro Bakersfield area, residents can place Christmas trees into their green waste container, as long as the tree is cut into small pieces to fit in your container and the container lid must be able to securely close. Whole trees are not accepted.

Residents can self-haul whole Christmas trees to one of 24 drop-off locations throughout Kern County from Dec. 26, to Jan. 10, 2021.

Compost at Home! Your Christmas tree can be cut up and used in your compost pile as part of your healthy compost mix. Make sure it is free of flocking or other contaminants!

If you prefer to take your Christmas trees to one of the drop-off locations, please tarp and secure your load properly. Don’t forget to remove all ornaments, lights, other decorations, and the tree stand prior to dropping off your Christmas tree.

Check here for a full list of drop off locations.