Recycling Christmas tree & string lights: how to stay on Santa’s good list (and avoid the naughty list)

Alaskans for Litter Prevention and Recycling (ALPAR) in partnership with the Municipality of Anchorage Solid Waste Services and CARRS/Safeway is hosting free Christmas tree recycling from December 28, 2022 through January 15, 2023. Live Christmas trees can be dropped off at Anchorage, Eagle River and Palmer CARRS store parking lots. Look for the signs and barriers.

Leave live trees only in designated areas.

Stay on Santa’s good list (avoid the naughty list) – abide by these rules:

  • live trees only (no wreaths)
  • trees should be free of all decorations, lights, tree stands and plastic bags
  • place trees in designated areas only
  • this program is for individuals/households only (businesses should contact a chipping service or tree disposal site)

Need help? If you live in the MOA, you can have your tree picked up by a youth group for a small donation/optional fee – just call (907) 868-8899.

Christmas trees are recycled into wood chips and distributed to local nonprofits and agencies for trail cover, erosion control and fragrant mulch for landscaping. Christmas tree recycling has been a tradition in Anchorage since early ‘90s. Last year, residents recycled 3,371 live trees.

WestRock string lights collection bin at the Anchorage Recycling Center is open 24/7

Recycle holiday string lights and bulbs for free in Anchorage (Dec 28 – Jan 15):

String lights should be free of bags, tinsel or other decorative items before depositing!

Thank you to our major sponsors CARRS/Safeway, Tall Trees, Alpha Media, Total Reclaim, WestRock, Anchorage Sand & Gravel and the Municipality of Anchorage Solid Waste Services.