Orange County Announces Free Christmas Tree Drop-Off Through January 31

The Orange County Department of Public Works, Division of Environmental Facilities & Services, announced its 2026 Christmas Tree Recycling Program on January 6, 2026. Natural Christmas trees will be accepted at no charge through January 31, 2026 at two county transfer stations: New Hampton Transfer Station, 21 Training Center Lane, and Newburgh Transfer Station, 9 Orr Avenue and Route 17K. Drop-off hours are Monday through Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. and Saturdays from 8:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.; the notice does not list Sunday hours.

The program limits acceptance to natural trees only. Wreaths and garlands will not be accepted. Residents are required to remove all decorations and bases before delivery to transfer stations. The county stated that after January 31 a tipping fee of $75 per ton will be charged for tree disposal.

For local residents, the announcement establishes a clear timeline and cost structure for post-holiday yard waste management. The no-cost drop-off window reduces the immediate financial burden on households and provides an organized channel for disposal. The looming $75 per ton fee after the deadline is likely to prompt earlier use of county facilities, particularly among residents without private hauling options, and may reduce incidents of curbside piling or illegal dumping that can occur when free disposal opportunities lapse.

Institutionally, the Department of Public Works is using a time-limited waiver of fees to manage seasonal demand at county transfer stations. By concentrating free drop-offs at two staffed sites with posted hours, the county is directing material to its existing handling and processing systems while maintaining a revenue mechanism for late-arriving material. The policy underscores the role of local government in balancing public service provision with operational costs.

Residents with questions are directed to the county; the notice accompanying the program includes county contact numbers for additional information. To avoid fees and ensure compliance, households should plan to remove decorations and bases and deliver natural trees to either New Hampton or Newburgh transfer station during posted hours before January 31.