Are you looking for Ann Arbor Christmas Tree Disposal options? Many years ago, the city of Ann Arbor offered pickups of Christmas Trees as part of waste service. But, that has been discontinued for many years. Several school groups have stepped in and offer Ann Arbor Christmas Tree Pickups as a fundraiser. There are also drop-off options, plus information for Pittsfield, Saline, and Ypsilanti Christmas Tree pickups.
Personally, we have an artificial tree, but I’ve found a few options for you.
Information below is currently being updated for Christmas 2025. Past information where noted. We don’t expect significant changes for 2025/2026.
Charitable Ann Arbor Christmas Tree Pickup
Typically this information is announced close to Christmas. Unfortunately, with my daughter & friends having graduated from high school, I have lost contacts on some of the teams and clubs across the Ann Arbor high schools.
Each of the Ann Arbor High Schools has an extra-curricular group that is offering Christmas Tree Pickup near Ann Arbor as a fundraiser. They each offer pickup basically in their attendance area.
Huron High School
The Men’s Cross Country Team will be picking up Christmas trees on Sunday, January 4 and Sunday, January 11. They will contact you to reschedule if bad-weather requires a postponement. The recommended donation is $25. Pickups begin at 7:30a and run roughly to 3p. Be sure to have your tree out before 7:30a. They are offering service to “more or less the Huron portion of town”. The registration deadline is 2 days prior to the pickup (6p January 9 for Jan 11 pickup).
Events from our Sponsors
Skyline High School
Skyline High School’s Theatre and Band students are holding a Christmas Tree collection fundraiser. I got a little laugh out of their quote “To ‘Tree’ or Not to ‘Tree’ that is the question”. The answer is they will pickup your tree and deliver it to one of the Ann Arbor drop off sites for you. Collection dates are January 11 or 18. There is no snow date in 2026 due to the City of Ann Arbor drop-off windows. Sign up deadlines are closed for January 11 and January 14 for the 18th. Suggested donation is $20-30. Please note, it is a two step process – scheduling your pickup and making your donation. Pickups will be contactless. If you plan to donate by cash or check, please leave in an envelope in the specified location or mail it to the designated address.
Pioneer High School
The Men’s Baseball Team offered pick up on Sunday, January 4. Trees must be at the curb by 8a. There is a $25 minimum donation for pickup. All donations must be made via their online form by January 2 to schedule your pickup. Pickups are available in an 8 mile radius around Pioneer High School.
Municipal Tree Pickups
Ann Arbor Township
Ann Arbor Township offers preferred trash with Waste Management for residents to contract with privately. If you are using Waste Management, they will collect one un-bagged Christmas tree (without lights, decoration, stand, etc) per residential unit between December 26 & the end of January. Trees over 6′ need to be cut into segments under 6′.
Pittsfield Charter Township Christmas Tree Pickup
Pittsfield Township offers curbside Christmas Tree Collection as part of your rubbish service. Curbside collection is the first 3 weeks of January (2026 dates: Monday January 5 through Friday, January 23). Trees need to be bundled and tied into sections 4′ in length and easy for one person to lift. Do not use yard waste bags or personal yard waste containers. The maximum height is 6′. Cut taller trees into sections less than 6 feet in length. Trees must be clear of lights, stands, bags, and decorations.
Ypsilanti Township Christmas Tree Collection
Ypsilanti Township will provide curb pickup of Christmas Trees from December-March as your one bulk item. Trees must not exceed 6′ (cut larger trees into smaller sections). Trees may be placed for collection with the tree stand, tree bags, and decorations. You need to contact Waste Management in advance to schedule your bulk pickup.
City of Saline Christmas Tree Collection
Christmas Tree Collection is offered on your regular trash collection day Collection runs December 26-January 23, 2026 on the regular trash pickup schedule. Please place on curb at least 5′ from trash by 7am on your pickup day with all items removed (stands, ornaments, tinsel, lights, etc). Trees over 6′ should be cut in half.
City of Ypsilanti Christmas Tree Pickup
The city of Ypsilanti offers curbside pickup of Christmas Trees on Friday January 9 and Friday January 16. Just leave your tree out on the curb.
Dexter Christmas Tree Disposal
Dexter’s website says to place your tree at the curb for the chipper. They don’t list specific dates.
Scio Township Christmas Tree Collection
Scio Township uses Priority Waste. Christmas trees are treated as part of residential pickup at any time.
Other Municipalities
I was unable to find information for Lodi Township. If you have their information or information for another municipality, let me know and I’ll update the article.
Municipal Drop-Offs
City of Ann Arbor Christmas Tree Disposal
The City of Ann Arbor does not provide curbside pickup of Christmas Trees. They offer 4 free Christmas Tree drop-off locations through January 19, 2026. Allowable drop-off hours are from 6a-10p. You must remove all stands, nails, ornaments, tinsel, plastic, etc. These can be dangerous when the trees are chipped and can ruin the equipment.
- West Park Parking lot (off Chapin Rd near West Huron St)
- Gallup Boat Launch Parking Lot (Geddes Rd east of Huron Parkway, not the livery lot)
- Olson Park parking lot, 1515 Dhu Varren Rd near Pontiac Trail
- Bicentennial Park (formerly Southeast Area Park) located on Ellsworth at Platt. Drop in the dirt parking lot north of basketball courts
Collected trees will be chipped on a regular basis for use as mulch in the parks.
After January 19, you can cut, bundle and save your tree until compost yard waste collection resumes in April.
Wreaths and roping are typically made with wire or plastic backing and are not compostable. They should be placed in trash carts.
Ypsilanti Township – Compost Site
Ypsilanti Township residents in single family homes may also take the tree to the Compost Site (2600 E Clark Rd) for chipping. Decorations including tinsel and tree stand must be removed. The Compost site is closed in January and February – I guess that doesn’t make them a great option to drop off a Christmas tree this year unless you have a place to store it in March.
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