Published on Wednesday, January 15, 2025
By the A.M. Costa Rica staff

Residents and businesses across Costa Rica are encouraged to recycle their Christmas trees now that the holiday season has ended.

Municipalities nationwide have established tree recycling programs throughout January to ensure proper disposal. Most municipalities have designated drop-off locations where trees are collected and transported to recycling centers.

The recycled trees are cut into smaller pieces and reused as garden decorations, landscaping materials, or organic fertilizer.

The campaign aims to prevent trees from being improperly discarded in rivers or burned on patios, sidewalks, or open spaces, which can pose environmental and fire hazards.

In San José Province, free drop-off locations are available in areas including San José City, Montes de Oca, Desamparados, Moravia, Goicoechea, Tibás, Alajuelita, Escazú, Curridabat, Santa Ana, and Vásquez de Coronado among others.

Other municipalities across the country are also running their own Christmas tree recycling initiatives. Residents interested in recycling their trees are encouraged to contact their local municipal offices for details.


Authorities ask that all decorations, lights, and tree stands, including wooden bases and nails, be removed before recycling.


The service is free of charge. The San José Municipality, for example, aims to collect 10,000 trees this year.


Costa Rica has been running this initiative for over a decade, promoting sustainable waste management during the post-holiday season.

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What have you heard about the Christmas tree recycling campaign in your community? We would like to know your thoughts on this story. Send your comments to news@amcostarica.com