SOUTHEASTERN N.C. — As the lights are dimming on the 2025 holiday season and the decorations come down, many start looking for ways to recycle the ol’ tannenbaum. The tri-county area has plenty of options.
New Hanover County
In New Hanover County, Wilmington and Carolina Beach taxpayers have their discarded trees picked up by waste services. However, those who live in unincorporated areas of the county without the service can take them to three dropoff locations:
- The Home Depot, 5511 Carolina Beach Road
- The Home Depot, 210 Eastwood Road
- New Hanover County Landfill, 5210 US Highway 421 North
The program lasts through Jan. 31, in partnership with the county’s Recycling and Solid Waste Department, the City of Wilmington Sanitation Department and local Home Depot stores in New Hanover County.
“It’s important to dispose of natural décor in a responsible and environmentally safe manner,” according to Recycling and Solid Waste Director Joe Suleyman. “We’re excited to continue this partnership with the City of Wilmington and our local The Home Depot stores, which allows living Christmas trees, wreaths, and garlands to be recycled and converted into mulch and compost. This material will be used in our parks, gardens and grounds, helping reduce waste and keeping our environment clean.”
All trees, wreaths and garlands must have lights, ornaments, stands and tinsel removed prior to disposal. Artificial trees or decorations are not accepted.
Signage will direct people to drop-off points, with fenced-in areas in The Home Depot parking lots.
Other holiday materials — gift wrap, paper or cardboard boxes, cards, old gadgets and electronics — can be recycled at the county’s recycling processing facility, drop-off sites throughout the community or via the Mobile Hazwagon.
In Wrightsville Beach, the town has green containers placed at the public works complex, 200 Parmele Blvd., for residents to dispose of live Christmas trees through Jan. 19.
Brunswick County
Brunswick County residents can drop off their naked live Christmas trees for free at the county’s landfill center from Jan. 2 through 31. They’re also accepted at the county’s convenience centers for $5 a tree.
Natural wreaths, however, are considered yard waste and a tipping fee applies.
Also accepted year-round without a charge are:
- Alkaline, Lithium, and NiCd batteries (Lithium and NiCd batteries must be taped on both ends.)
- String lights and cords as part of the Electronics Recycling Program
- Electronics (complete and not broken into pieces) as part of the Electronics Recycling Program
- Plain/traditional wrapping paper and cards (no glossy, metallic, glittery paper)
- Cardboard (flatten boxes and remove tape, no Styrofoam left behind or grease-soaked cardboard)
- Textiles (clothing, shoes, pillows, sheets, towels, etc.)
However, property owners who pay for curbside recycling can put above items in their recycling bin.
The Brunswick County Landfill, at 172 Landfill Road NE, in Bolivia, and varied convenience centers — Leland, 9921 Chappell Loop Road SE; Southport, 8392 River Road SE; Sunset Beach, 746 Seaside Road SW; and Supply, 1709 Oxpen Road SW — will be closed Thursday, Jan. 1.
In Oak Island, the town is hosting “Grinding of the Greens,” allowing residents to drop off naked, live Christmas trees at the Middletown Park Complex parking lot, 4610 E. Dolphin Drive, through Jan. 16. The trees are turned into mulch and used for landscaping needs in the town’s parks and public areas.
Pender County
The county is not offering a service. However, Wilmington Compost Company, 7336 N.C. 210, is located in Rocky Point, and Hampstead Mulch and Stone, 12981 U.S. 17, is in Hampstead.
In Surf City, the town is accepting Christmas trees at 214 N. River Rd. through Jan. 5 to help restore the dunes. The city has posted instructions on placing the tree effectively on the dunes by putting them at the bottom of the main dune or the erosion drop-off, without blocking beach access. Follow instructions here.
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