With Christmas over, the next inevitable step is taking down the Christmas tree—and figuring out what to do with it.

This year, the City of Vancouver stated on December 10 that as a precaution during the COVID-19 pandemic, the Lions Club Christmas tree-chipping events (originally scheduled for January 2 and 3) won’t be held this season in order to reduce social gatherings and potential transmission. (Anyone who wants to donate money or non-perishable food items can contact the Lions Club or a local food bank.)

However, there are a number of other options for recycling your tree next month.

Artificial trees or trees sprayed with fake snow won't be accepted, and all lights, decorations, and tinsel should be removed.

Full details about recycling live Christmas trees are available at the City of Vancouver website.

Wonder what happens to your collected tree? At the Vancouver Landfill, the trees are transformed into compost, which is subsequently sold to residential gardeners, commercial landscapers, and municipal park departments.

Curbside residential collection:

The city will collect live, cut Christmas trees (left out before 7 a.m. on January 9) on January 9 and 10 from homes with City Green Bin service.

All trees should have all lights, decorations, and tinsel removed; laid on its side where bins are normally left and visible from the street or lane; and left without any string, rope, or bags.

In addition, the last leaf collection will be conducted on January 9 and 10 as well. Any extra leaves to be collected can be left in paper bags or store-bought bins by 7 a.m. on January 9. For full details, visit the City of Vancouver website. 

Green Bin collection:

Alternately, anyone can cut their Christmas tree into small pieces that fit into their Green Bin. Pieces should be less than 10 centimetres in diameter and 50 centimetres long. Also, the lid of the Green Bin needs to be able to close completely.

Trees covered with flocking or sprayed with foam won't be accepted.

Drop-off:

Anyone who wants to drop off their live Christmas trees can do so for free until January 31 at the Vancouver South Transfer Station (377 West Kent Avenue North) or the Vancouver Landfill (5400 72nd Street) in Delta.