City of Modesto crews begin collecting real green, untreated Christmas trees in January as part of the normal green waste collection. Collected trees are composted at the City’s compost facility.
Tree Disposal
Please follow these simple steps to ensure proper disposal of Christmas trees. The same guidelines apply as the Green Waste collected from the street or alley for your area. If you do not know which area you are in or when to place out Green Waste, please contact the City of Modesto Green Waste Office.
Disposal of Untreated Real Trees
- Remove all tree stands, rods and tinsel. Trees cannot be picked up by City crews if these items have not been removed.
- Cut trees in half if they are more than 6 feet tall.
- Place trees curbside to be collected with your regular green waste or in your green waste can.
Note: Untreated trees may also be cut in pieces to fit in your organics container.
Disposal of Trees Treated With Flocking, Paint or Fireproofing
Trees with flocking, paint or fireproofing cannot be composted and will not be collected by City crews. Flocked, painted or fireproofed trees may be cut up and placed in your black garbage container or taken to the nearest transfer station. Contact your hauler for more information about transfer stations near you.
Disposal of Plastic or Fake Trees
Contact your solid waste hauler to schedule a bulky item collection appointment. Place the tree out in the street after 6:00 PM the night before your appointment.
For more information on holiday tree collection or the green waste program, contact the Green Waste Division.