December 29, 2025 – The City of South Bend is offering free Christmas tree recycling for residents within city limits from Monday, January 5 to Thursday, January 29. Trees will be collected on the same day as trash pickup. To schedule a pickup, residents can submit an online request at southbendin.gov/treepickup or call 311.
Recycled trees will be made into mulch and compost. To ensure a safe and efficient tree pickup, residents are asked to follow the guidelines below:
- Place your tree at the curb by 6 am on the scheduled pickup day. Trees should not be placed in the street or alley. Vehicles should not be parked in front of or on top of the tree to allow crews clear access.
- Remove all ornaments, lights, plastic coverings, tree stands and any metal (including nails). These items can damage equipment or pose a safety risk to crews.
- Artificial trees, or trees containing metal, glass or wire will not be collected. Residents are responsible for properly disposing of these items.
Free pickup is available for one tree per household. Additional trees can be removed for a fee of $10 each. Tree pickups scheduled after January 29 will count as the resident’s free monthly yard waste extra pickup. For more information, visit southbendin.gov/treepickup or call 311.