When the lights come down and the needles start dropping, St. Paul and east metro residents have a range of convenient drop-off and recycling options for their trees and holiday décor.
Saint Paul
Holiday trees. In St. Paul, the city organizes a holiday tree collection from Jan. 2-15. Residents can set out one tree next to their garbage carts on regular collection days. For homes with up to four units, each unit can set out one tree.
Trees taller than six feet, heavier than 20 pounds, or artificial trees are not included in the special collection.
Residents are asked to remove all decorations and the tree stand, and to not to put the trees upright or leaning against the cart, or blocking other carts.
Holiday Lights. String lights and electrical cords should not be placed in recycling carts because they can cause damage at recycling facilities. Instead, they can be dropped off for recycling at the following locations until January 9:
The Saint Paul Regional Water Services Facility: 1900 Rice St., St Paul, MN 55113
Public Works Solid Waste & Recycling Facility: 60 W Sycamore St., St Paul, MN 55117
Any Saint Paul Public Library
Greenery and garlands. According to city guidelines, holiday greenery and garlands are not accepted as yard waste because of possible metal wires and decorations. Instead, greenery can be put in a plastic bag and put in garbage carts.
Wrapping Paper and Gift Bags. Most wrapping paper and gift bags are recyclable except for:
Wrapping paper with glitter or foil
Tissue paper
Ribbons and bows.
Cardboard Packaging. Any cardboard that doesn’t fit in recycling carts can be flattened and dropped off, for free, at the Ramsey County Environmental Center, 1700 Kent St., Roseville, MN 55113, which is open year-round.
RAMSEY COUNTY
Holiday trees. After they are stripped of lights, ornaments, tinsel and tree bags, holiday trees can be dropped off at the following yard waste collection sites for free:
Arden Hills
Frank and Sims
Midway
White Bear Township
Flocked trees are not accepted.
In addition, some waste management companies will pick up trees. The county recommends checking with the waste company first.
Holiday Lights. Both LED and non-LED string lights can be recycled at the county’s Environmental Center.
WASHINGTON COUNTY
In Washington County, it’s illegal to put Christmas trees in the trash, but there are options for drop-offs and collections.
The county said that some “private waste haulers, cities, or townships may accept holiday trees. Residents can contact them directly for more information.
“Remove tree stands, plastic bags, tinsel, wire, lights, and all other decorations from trees prior to drop-off or collection,” the county website said.
DAKOTA COUNTY
In Dakota County, it is also illegal to put Christmas trees in the trash or recycling.
Residents can call waste management companies and city staff for disposal guidelines.
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