MUSCATINE, Iowa – The gifts have been unwrapped, the cookies are gone, and the Christmas tree has given its final sparkle. As households begin packing away decorations and looking ahead to the new year, the City of Muscatine is here to help with one last holiday task — recycling your live Christmas tree.
Starting Monday, January 5, 2026, Muscatine and Fruitland residents can place their unflocked live Christmas trees at the curb for collection as part of the Solid Waste Division’s yard waste collection service. Curbside collection will continue through Friday, January 30, 2026, with trees picked up on each resident’s regular refuse collection day.
Not All Trees Are on the Nice List
Christmas trees come in many forms, and how they’re handled after the holidays depends on what kind of tree you have:
- Unflocked live trees can be recycled at the curb
- Flocked trees, artificial trees, and wreaths are considered garbage and cannot be recycled
Getting Your Live Tree Ready for Pickup
Before sending your tree off for its post-holiday retirement:
- Remove all ornaments, lights, tinsel, wires, and decorations
- Take off the stand and any metal pieces
- Skip the plastic bag — trees should be loose
- Trees taller than five feet should be cut into two sections
- Place the tree next to the curb on your regular collection day
What About Flocked or Artificial Trees?
Flocked trees, artificial trees, and wreaths can be taken to the Muscatine Transfer Station for disposal, or residents can contact the Transfer Station to arrange curbside pickup.
For more information on Christmas tree recycling or preparation tips, contact the Muscatine Transfer Station at (563) 263-9689.