For a month, your living room has hosted a Christmas tree, shining brightly in all its glory. You've grown accustomed to its festive presence, but the pine needles now falling on your carpet remind you that the celebration is over. So, what to do with this now cumbersome guest?
Where to Dispose of Your Christmas Tree in Paris?
Here are some eco-friendly options for your Christmas trees:
1. Use the Official Collection Points in Paris
From December 26 to January 20, drop off your tree at one of the 195 collection points located throughout Paris. In 2024, a total of 114,247 Christmas trees were collected in the city. These collection points facilitate the recycling of your tree, which will be chipped and transformed into mulch for the city’s gardens.
- How to proceed: Remove all decorations, as well as any bags, flocking, or paint.
- Fine to avoid: Depositing your tree in public spaces can result in a fine of €150.
City gardeners collect the deposited trees and chip them on-site to create fir mulch, which is then spread at the foot of flower beds and pathways. This mulch has several benefits: it reduces the growth of unwanted weeds, limits water evaporation, and promotes the development of beneficial microorganisms in the soil. Although fir mulch is acidic and not suitable for composting, it acts as a natural weed killer due to its anti-germination properties.
To find the nearest collection point, visit the Paris City Hall website.
2. Replant Your Potted Natural Tree
If you have a garden or terrace and purchased a potted Christmas tree, replanting it is an excellent eco-friendly initiative. Remember that this tree can grow up to 50 meters high in 40 years! If your land isn’t suitable, contact the city hall: some municipalities organize replanting operations on public land.
3. Return Your Tree to the Store
Some gardening and DIY stores accept returns of natural trees, often accompanied by a voucher in return:
For example, at Botanic, if you return your natural Christmas tree between January 2 and 31 with the receipt, you’ll receive a €10 voucher for a minimum purchase of €50.
Other stores may also offer this service: ask when you purchase whether they accept tree returns after the holidays.
4. Drop Off Your Tree at a Recycling Center (If You Live on the Outskirts)
If you are on the outskirts of Paris, consider local recycling centers, where recycling operations are often organized. Your tree will be collected and transformed into compost for use in municipal parks.
5. What to Do with Your Christmas Tree After January 20?
If you need to dispose your Christmas tree after January 20, you can place it in the green-lidded household waste bins of your building. It will then be collected by the garbage truck.
Note: if your tree is over 2.5 meters tall, be sure to cut it in half for easier removal.
Your tree thanks you for giving it a useful second life!
Photo credits to @BrickUnderground
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