Helena offers multiple ways to recycle Christmas trees

On December 29, 2025 the City of Helena laid out options for post holiday Christmas tree disposal, combining a community fundraising effort with municipal waste services and an environmental reuse program. Scout Troop 214 will operate a curbside pick up as a fundraiser on January 3, January 10 and January 17. The troop asks for a suggested donation of ten dollars for pickup but the donation is not required. Residents may sign up at troop214helena.square.site.

The City will resume its own curbside tree collection after the Scout fundraiser concludes on January 17. In addition, residential waste permit holders may recycle trees in the green waste area at the Transfer Station. Trees collected by the Scouts and at the Transfer Station will be used through the Pines for Perch program to create fish habitat in Canyon Ferry. The City notes that all decorations including tinsel must be removed from trees before disposal.

The partnership with Troop 214 illustrates how municipal services can be supplemented by community organizations to extend capacity and engage civic volunteers. For residents this arrangement offers choice and can reduce pressure on municipal crews during a concentrated period. The suggested donation model preserves access for households that cannot pay while generating low cost support for a youth organization. The requirement that Transfer Station users hold a residential waste permit underscores the role of existing permit structures in managing access to public facilities.

Environmentally the reuse of trees for fish habitat keeps organic material out of the landfill and contributes to local conservation efforts at Canyon Ferry. For residents who prioritize immediate removal there is an incentive to use the Scout curbside service early in January. For those who prefer municipal pickup or Transfer Station recycling the City collection will be available after the Scout program ends.

More details about the Pines for Perch program are available in the City of Helena Sustainability Newsletter at helenamt.gov/Sustainability. Residents should remove all decorations before disposal and may register for Troop 214 pickup through the troop website.