Christmas tree recycling in ocean county: today is take your christmas tree down day

Christmas Tree Recycling in Ocean County: Today is Take Your Christmas Tree Down Day

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1 min read
January 6, 2026

TOMS RIVER, N.J. – As National Take Down the Christmas Tree Day arrives today, Ocean County residents are being reminded to pack away the decorations, haul out the tree, and give it a second life through the county’s recycling program. The day, observed every January 6, signals the traditional end of the Christmas season, aligning with the Christian feast of Epiphany, when the Magi are said to have visited the newborn Jesus.

Across Ocean County, natural Christmas trees can be dropped off for recycling through the Parks and Recreation Department until January 31. The county’s program transforms the trees into mulch used for park projects and landscaping, providing a sustainable way to dispose of holiday greenery.

Residents can bring stripped, natural trees—free of lights, ornaments, tinsel, stands, or plastic bags—to one of several designated county parks, including Cattus Island County Park in Toms River, Cloverdale Farm County Park in Barnegat, Wells Mills County Park in Waretown, and Ocean County Park in Lakewood. Other collection sites include Beaver Dam County Park in Point Pleasant, Jake Branch County Park in Beachwood, Mill Creek County Park in Berkeley, Enos Pond County Park in Lacey, Patriots County Park in Jackson, Robert J. Miller Airpark in Berkeley, and Freedom Fields County Park in Little Egg Harbor. County golf courses such as Forge Pond and Atlantis are also participating locations.

For those who prefer to recycle their trees year-round, the county’s two main recycling centers—at 535 South Oberlin Avenue in Lakewood and 379 Haywood Road in Stafford Township—are open Monday through Saturday from 7:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. Both sites accept natural trees and other recyclables from residents.

Curbside tree collection varies by town, and local residents are encouraged to check with their municipal Department of Public Works for schedules or additional drop-off sites.

Today’s observance is more than just a cue to clean up after the holidays—it’s a reminder that a sustainable start to the new year begins with small steps, like giving your Christmas tree a new purpose.

Phil Stilton is the Editor and Publisher of Shore News Network, an independent digital newsroom providing original reporting on New Jersey, national news, government, public policy, public safety, courts, and community affairs.

As founder of the publication, Stilton leads editorial strategy, investigative reporting, and daily newsroom operations while overseeing coverage that reaches millions of readers annually.

With extensive experience covering municipal government, county government, state legislatures, elections, law enforcement, emergency management, and public records, Stilton specializes in translating complex government actions into clear, factual reporting. His work frequently relies on primary source documents, including court filings, legislation, public meeting records, election finance disclosures, government databases, police reports, and Freedom of Information and Open Public Records Act (OPRA) requests. He has reported extensively on local government accountability, taxpayer spending, campaign finance, public corruption investigations, infrastructure, public safety, and the policies affecting New Jersey residents.

Under Stilton's editorial leadership, Shore News Network has grown into one of New Jersey's largest independent digital news organizations, publishing thousands of original news articles each year while providing breaking news coverage, investigative reporting, and analysis across state and local government. The publication's reporting is routinely sourced from official government agencies, public officials, court records, and firsthand documentation, with a commitment to transparency, attribution, corrections when warranted, and clearly distinguishing factual reporting from opinion.

Stilton's journalism follows established newsroom standards emphasizing accuracy, verification, fairness, and accountability. Every effort is made to verify information through official records and multiple reliable sources before publication. His reporting is intended to provide readers with timely, well-documented information that helps them understand the issues affecting their communities, while maintaining editorial independence from political parties, government agencies, advocacy organizations, and commercial interests.

Readers can submit story tips, corrections, public records, or media inquiries through the official Shore News Network website or its verified social media channels. Shore News Network welcomes corrections and updates when new information becomes available as part of its ongoing commitment to accurate and transparent journalism.

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