3 New Jersey Counties Offer Christmas Tree Recycling

New Jersey towns in Mercer, Monmouth, and Ocean counties are holding after-Christmas tree recycling programs this month. Officials are urging residents to recycle natural trees into mulch or compost rather than sending them to landfills.

Throughout Mercer County, most towns provide curbside pickup or drop-off options beginning this week and continuing through late January. West Windsor Township began collections on Dec. 26, 2025, and will continue them through Jan. 20. Residents can bring their trees to the Public Works drop-off site on Southfield Road, open weekdays from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. and Saturdays from 8 a.m. to noon.

In Hamilton Township, curbside pickup will take place throughout January. Residents can drop off trees at the Ecological Facility on Kuser Road, open Monday through Saturday from 8 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Hopewell Township will provide curbside collection through January. Residents are reminded to leave only undecorated trees at the curb by Jan. 11.

Pickup schedules vary; residents should verify collection dates with their local municipalities.

For those in Monmouth County, the Monmouth County Reclamation Center (MCRC) in Tinton Falls is the primary destination for tree recycling.

The facility, open year-round, accepts natural Christmas trees once all decorations, lights, and stands are removed. Residents can check the center's website for information about holiday hours or drop-off fees before visiting.

Many municipalities across the county — including Asbury Park, Marlboro, and Red Bank — provide curbside pickup throughout January and February. Pickup schedules vary; residents should verify collection dates with their local municipalities.

Those living near the Ocean County line can also use Ocean County's park system drop-off locations, such as Patriots County Park in Jackson. Tees are collected through the end of January for mulching projects.

Ocean County residents may drop off natural Christmas trees for recycling through the Parks and Recreation Department until Jan. 31. The county's recycling program converts the trees into mulch used for park projects and landscaping.

Residents can bring their trees — free of lights, ornaments, tinsel, stands, or plastic tree bags — to one of several designated county parks for recycling:

Additional collection sites include the following:

County golf courses such as Forge Pond and Atlantis are also participating locations.

The county's two primary recycling centers — at 535 S. Oberlin Ave. in Lakewood and 379 Haywood Road in Stafford Township — are open Monday through Saturday from 7:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. Both sites accept natural trees and other recyclables.