Recycle Your Christmas Tree: Treecycling Options Across the Denver Metro Area
As the holidays come to an end, your Christmas tree can still serve a purpose beyond the New Year. Instead of tossing it, consider recycling it at one of the many drop-off locations across the Denver metro area. Treecycling allows trees to be turned into mulch or used in eco-friendly ways. Below is a guide to tree recycling options in various cities.
Aurora
Free tree recycling is available from Dec. 26, 2024, through Jan. 6, 2025, at the following locations:
- Del Mar Park: 12000 E. 6th Ave. (west parking lot)
- Saddle Rock Golf Course: 21705 E. Arapahoe Road
- Olympic Park: 15501 E. Yale Ave.
Castle Rock
Recycle your tree from Dec. 26, 2024, through Jan. 31, 2025, at:
- Founders Park: 4671 Enderud Blvd.
- Metzler Ranch Community Park: 4175 Trail Boss Drive
- Paintbrush Park: 3492 Meadows Blvd.
You can also drop off your tree at Fairgrounds Regional Park at 500 Fairgrounds Drive. For more information, contact Douglas County Parks at 720-733-6990.
Douglas County
Drop-off locations open Dec. 26, 2024, through Jan. 31, 2025:
- Bayou Gulch: 4815 Fox Sparrow Road, Parker
- Challenger Regional Park: 17299 E. Lincoln Ave., Parker
- Highland Heritage Regional Park: 9651 S. Quebec St., Highlands Ranch
Self-serve mulch is available on-site while supplies last.
Centennial
Recycle trees from Dec. 26 through Jan. 12 at:
- Lookout Park: 5455 S. Riviera Way
- Piney Creek Hollow Park: 6140 S. Tower Road
- Willow Spring Service Center: 7100 S. Holly St.
Free mulch will be available at Lookout Park and Piney Creek Hollow Park starting Jan. 1, 2025. String light recycling is also available at select locations.
Denver
Denver residents can drop off trees starting Jan. 2 at:
- Cherry Creek Transfer Station: 7301 E. Jewell Ave.
- Havana Nursery: 10450 Smith Rd.
- Central Platte Campus: 1271 W. Bayaud Ave.
Saturday drop-offs are available on Jan. 13, 20, and 27 at additional locations like Sloan’s Lake and Fred Thomas Park. Trees will be turned into mulch, available during the city’s Mulch Giveaway in the spring.
Greenwood Village
Single-family homeowners can leave their undecorated trees curbside on their regular trash day from Dec. 26 through Jan. 10. Alternatively, trees can be dropped off at Village Greens Park through Jan. 31, 2025.
Highlands Ranch
Recycle trees from Dec. 25, 2024, through Jan. 16, 2025, at:
- Dad Clark Park: 3385 Asterbrook Cir.
- Redstone Park: 3280 Redstone Park Cir.
- Toepfer Park: 9480 Venneford Ranch Rd.
Lakewood
Drop off trees between 7 a.m. and 3 p.m., Dec. 26, 2024, through Jan. 5, 2025, at Lakewood Greenhouse (9556 W. Yale Ave.).
Parker
Drop off trees from Dec. 25, 2024, through Jan. 29, 2025, at:
- Salisbury Park: 11920 S. Motsenbocker Rd.
- Bayou Gulch or Challenger Regional Park in Parker.
Westminster
Residents can drop off trees at the City Park Fitness Center (10475 Sheridan Blvd.) from Dec. 25, 2024, through Jan. 25, 2025, between 6 a.m. and 8 p.m.
Windsor
Trees can be dropped off during daylight hours at Chimney Park Ballfields (501 Chimney Park Dr.) until Jan. 28, 2025. Trees will also be used as part of Windsor’s Magical Forest event on Feb. 24 before being mulched.
Important Guidelines
- Ensure all decorations, lights, and stands are removed from trees.
- Artificial trees, wreaths, and yard waste are not accepted.
- Mulch availability may vary by location and is often first-come, first-served.
By participating in treecycling, you can give your tree a second life while helping the environment. For additional details, check with your local municipality.
