Albuquerque, Rio Rancho offer free Christmas tree recycling

ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. — PNM and the cities of Albuquerque and Rio Rancho are offering free Christmas tree recycling. More than 10,000 trees are expected to be recycled at the New Mexico sites.

The trees will be ground into mulch, which can be used to provide a better growing environment for plants. The public can pick up free mulch from these trees at four of the five recycling locations, while supplies last.

By the end of the season the goal is to have 10,000 local trees collected, and turned into mulch.

“The goal of this is to keep trees out of the landfill, save up some space there,” said Eric Chavez a PNM spokesperson.

But it’s not just about keeping the landfills clear of old Christmas trees.

“They can be a hazard if kept too long and dried out,” said Chavez.

Trees must have all decorations removed (tinsel, lights, tree stands, etc.). Trees will be accepted at the following locations:

Albuquerque

Tuesday, Dec. 27, 2022 – Sunday, Jan. 8, 2021, from 8 a.m. – 5 p.m.

• Eagle Rock Convenience Center, 6301 Eagle Rock NE, Albuquerque
• Ladera Golf Course, 3401 Ladera Dr NW, Albuquerque
• Montessa Park Convenience Center, 3512 Los Picaros SE, Albuquerque

Rio Rancho

Tuesday, Dec. 27, 2020 – Sunday, Jan. 8, 2021, from 8 a.m. – 5 p.m.

• Rio Rancho Sports Complex, 3501 High Resort Blvd. SE, Rio Rancho

There’s a limit of five trees per resident. Commercial quantities will not be accepted. Only real trees will be accepted, no artificial trees. For more information call 311 or visit www.cabq.gov/solidwaste.