The non-profit organization Reno Keep Truckee Meadows Beautiful (KTMB) sponsors the annual Christmas tree recycling effort, which helps keep them out of landfill and discourages illegal dumping into the area’s open spaces. The recycling program generally begins the day after Christmas and continues through the New Year through mid-January. Other supporting agencies and businesses include the City of Sparks Parks and Recreation, Washoe County Regional Parks and Open Space, City of Reno Urban Forestry, Sierra and Truckee Meadows Fire Protection Districts, Tholl Fence, Waste Management Recycle America, Reno governments , Sparks, and Washoe County, and NV Energy.
Recycling Christmas trees in Reindeer and sparks
The KTMB Christmas tree recycling program accepts natural trees with all decorations, lights and stands removed. Flocked trees are not accepted because they clog the chippers used to mulch the trees.
There are several locations (listed below) in Truckee Meadows where Christmas trees are accepted during the recycling program period. Delivery hours are generally between 9 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. every day. Dates during the holiday season range from December 26 to January 7. Check the website for the most up-to-date dates and times. A small donation is requested to support this and other KTMB programs. NV Energy Foundation matches Christmas tree recycling donations. Residents can bring their home trees, but commercial businesses with five or more trees to recycle should call (775) 425-3015.
- Bartley Ranch Regional Park, 6000 Bartley Ranch Road (off Lakeside Drive) in Reno
- Rancho San Rafael Regional Park, 1595 N. Sierra Street (in the Pagoda parking lot) in Reno
- Shadow Mountain Sports Complex, 3300 Sparks Boulevard (Shadow Lane entrance) in Sparks
- Truckee Meadows Fire Station 17 at Spanish Springs, 500 Rockwell Blvd.
- Truckee Meadows Fire Station 223 in Lemmon Valley, 130 Nectar Street
- Truckee Meadows Fire Station 16 in Washoe Valley, 1240 East Lake Blvd.
Uses for Christmas tree mulch
Christmas trees are recycled by covering them with shredding machines. Local parks, landscapers and residents then use the product in various ways to improve our environment and save money with this virtually free material. Here are some suggested uses:
- Prevent erosion.
- Weed reduction.
- Walkways and scenic trails.
- Animal bedding.
- Insect deterrent.
- Protect and promote the growth of certain plants. *
- Insulate the floor.
- Children’s parks
Residents can get free mulch through the end of January. For more information, call Bartley Ranch Regional Park at (775) 828-6612 or Rancho San Rafael Regional Park at (775) 785-4512.
(* Christmas tree mulch should not be used in or around flower and vegetable gardens due to acidity from pinecones).
Become a KTMB Christmas Tree Recycling Volunteer
The Christmas tree recycling program relies on volunteers to help at the collection sites. You can register online and choose the location where you would like to work. For more information or to volunteer over the phone, call (775) 851-5185. Christmas tree recycling is 7 days a week from December 26 to January 7. Multiple shifts are available every day. Volunteers must be at least 14 years old and volunteers under the age of 18 must volunteer with an adult.
There are other KTMB community beautification and recycling programs, such as the Litter Index, Waste Warriors, and Open Space Cleanups, which also rely on volunteers.
