WILMINGTON, DE — Delaware residents will have a chance to give their holiday trees a second life next month as the state promotes expanded recycling and organic reuse options, headlined by the annual TreeCycle event on Saturday, January 10.
The Delaware Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control is again sponsoring the Delaware Center for Horticulture’s TreeCycle, a family-friendly recycling event that transforms discarded holiday trees into mulch and wood chips. The event runs from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Delaware Center for Horticulture parking lot, 1810 North Dupont Street in Wilmington.
The Davey Tree Expert Company will operate a commercial chipper and grinder on site, converting natural trees into organic material that will be reused in DCH gardens, the Shearman Street community garden, and public landscapes across Wilmington. Organizers said all decorations, including ornaments, garland, flocking, lights, and stands, must be removed before recycling. Artificial trees will not be accepted.
A suggested donation of $20 per tree will support the Delaware Center for Horticulture’s community forestry initiatives, which focus on urban tree care, education, and neighborhood greening.
Beyond TreeCycle, DNREC is encouraging Delawareans to explore other environmentally responsible disposal options. Many municipalities and private haulers offer curbside holiday tree pickup for residents who pay for collection services, though availability varies. DNREC recommends contacting local waste haulers directly to confirm whether tree pickup is offered and whether it is included in existing service plans.
For residents without curbside options, yard waste drop-off sites are available statewide. DNREC maintains by-county listings of approved facilities at https://de.gov/yardwaste. Some locations accept holiday trees at no charge, while others may require a fee. Operating schedules and rules vary by site, and residents are advised to call ahead before visiting.
DNREC also noted that January 18, 2026, will be the final day to drop off yard waste, including holiday trees, at the Polly Drummond Hill Road yard waste site in northern New Castle County. The state-administered facility will close at sundown that Sunday.
The push reflects Delaware’s broader waste diversion strategy. In 2024, more than 156,600 tons of yard waste — including lawn debris, landscaping materials, and holiday trees — were recycled statewide. Before the state’s yard waste ban, much of that material was sent to landfills. Today, it is increasingly redirected into local mulch and compost markets, reducing landfill use while creating reusable resources.
State officials said TreeCycle and similar programs demonstrate how seasonal waste can be repurposed into long-term environmental value, turning the end of the holidays into a practical win for both communities and the environment.
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