As the holiday season comes to a close, the Department of Solid Waste Management in Miami Dade County is taking the lead in promoting an approach. Their Christmas Tree Recycling Program, which is a component of Miami Dade’s sustainability efforts, aims to give your trees a new life as something more sustainable. Here’s everything you need to know about joining this eco initiative.
Eligibility and Participation in the Program
The program is open to DSWM service area customers, which includes single-family households in unincorporated Miami-Dade County and residents of Aventura, Cutler Bay, Doral, Miami Gardens, Miami Lakes, Opa-locka, Palmetto Bay, Pinecrest, Sunny Isles Beach, and Sweetwater. Participation in this program is a simple yet impactful way for residents to contribute to their community’s sustainability efforts.
Recycling Centers: Where to Bring Your Tree
Starting Tuesday, residents can bring their clean, decoration-free natural Christmas trees to selected Trash and Recycling Centers, open daily from 7 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. These centers, strategically located throughout the county, include:
- North Dade – 21500 NW 47 Ave.
- Norwood – 19901 NW 7th Ave.
- Palm Springs North – 7870 NW 178 St.
- Golden Glades – 140 NW 160 St.
- West Little River – 1830 NW 79 St.
- Snapper Creek – 2200 SW 117 Ave.
- Sunset Kendall – 8000 SW 107 Ave.
- West Perrine – 16651 SW 107 Ave.
- Eureka Drive – 9401 SW 184 St.
- South Miami Heights – 20800 SW 117 Ct.
- Moody Drive – 12970 SW 268 St.
- The West Miami-Dade Home Chemical Collection Center at 8801 NW 58 St. also accepts trees for recycling.
Transforming Christmas Tree to Mulch
The recycled Christmas trees will be processed into mulch and made available to residents starting spring 2024. This mulch, rich in nutrients, is perfect for gardening and landscaping, offering a sustainable option for enhancing the health and beauty of local gardens. Mulch will be available at the following locations:
- Eureka Drive
- Golden Glades
- Moody Drive
- North Dade Landfill
- Sunset Kendall
- West Little River
- West Perrine
Residents interested in obtaining mulch should remember to bring their shovels and containers for transport.
Alternative Disposal Methods: For Those Who Can’t Drop Off
Recognizing the varied needs of its residents, Miami-Dade County also offers curbside collection for those unable to drop off their trees. Scheduled in two sweeps starting January 10th, this service ensures that everyone has the opportunity to dispose of their trees responsibly. However, residents are reminded not to mix these trees with regular garbage or recycling materials.
Other Disposal Options
For residents who prefer alternative disposal methods or miss the scheduled pickups, the option to use one of the scheduled bulky waste pickups remains. This flexibility underscores the DSWM’s commitment to accommodating the varied lifestyles of Miami-Dade’s residents.
This Christmas Tree Recycling Program is more than just a waste management initiative; it’s a community effort that fosters environmental stewardship and promotes a circular economy. By participating, residents of Miami-Dade not only dispose of their Christmas trees responsibly but also contribute to the greening of their community. Let’s come together this holiday season to create a greener and more sustainable environment.
