How to Dispose of Evergreen Wreaths After Christmas

Evergreen wreaths must be disposed of properly.

Wreaths are commonly displayed during the Christmas season. Often these wreaths are made from the twigs and leaves of an evergreen tree. Other decorations are added, such as bows, lights, pinecones, garlands and plastic figurines. Although evergreen wreaths are all-natural, there are some steps you need to take before disposing of them once the Christmas season has come to an end.

Instructions

1. Take off every decoration that has been placed on your evergreen wreath. Store for use next year, or toss the used decorations in the trash.

2. Remove all wiring and roping that was used to hold the evergreen wreath together. Toss the wiring and roping in the trash.

3. Set the evergreen wreath out with the family Christmas tree, or take it to your yard waste site. Some counties require you to obtain a special bag for disposing of yard trim, so if you are unsure of the requirements for your area, call the yard waste site directly and ask what its policy is.

4. Toss evergreen wreaths that cannot be separated from their wiring in the trash.

Tips & Warnings

• Consider reusing your evergreen wreath instead of disposing of it. The government of Ramsey County, Minnesota, for example, suggests you use the wreath to make a shelter for neighborhood birds.

• Wiring attached to wreaths will damage mulching machines. It must not be recycled along with the wreath.

References

• Ramsey County: A to Z Disposal Guide -- H's
• Montgomery County, Maryland: How to Recycle/Dispose of Christmas Trees
• Metro: Christmas Tree and Wreath Recycling