Which Centre County spots pick up Christmas trees curbside? How to dispose of yours
Once the ornaments and lights are boxed up and stuffed back in the attic, the question becomes what to do with the Christmas tree.
For those who don’t feel like chopping their live tree into firewood, don’t know any goat farmers or don’t have forestland on their property, many Centre County municipalities offer designated drop-off sites or curbside collection.
Don’t forget to clear your tree of all ornaments and tinsel prior to collection or drop off.
College, Ferguson, Harris and Patton townships contract with Burgmeier’s Hauling to pick up trees curbside from Monday, Jan. 12 to Friday, Jan. 16, but residents had to schedule a pickup by Dec. 23. Those who did not schedule a pickup for their regular collection day by the deadline will still be able to do so by emailing COGCS@burgmeiers.com, but will be subject to a new $4 fee.
Benner Township also contracts with Burgmeier’s for curbside tree pickup.
Bellefonte, State College, Milesburg and Millheim all have free curbside tree pickup in the weeks after Christmas.
Bellefonte administrative assistant Alyssa Doherty said tree pickup usually runs through the month of January and would likely start Monday, Jan. 5. State College has curbside pickup Jan. 5 through Tuesday, Jan. 16. Milesburg will pick up trees from Jan. 5 through Friday, Jan. 9. The Millheim borough secretary, Denise Immel, said she did not yet know when tree pickup would begin.
Spring Township residents can drop off their trees at the township building, located at 1309 Blanchard St. The township noted it will drop off the trees at the Bellefonte composting facility at 264 Musser Lane, and officials prefer residents bring trees there directly.
Potter Township residents can also drop off their trees at their township building, located at 124 Short Road. The township will collect trees through Saturday, Jan. 31.
Philipsburg and Rush Township residents may drop their trees at the Project 70 disposal site on Dike Road. Philipsburg residents may also leave their trees at the curb.
While Port Matilda has a plant waste facility, borough secretary Andy Lewis said he wouldn’t advise residents go there as it is not maintained during the winter.
Snow Shoe borough and the townships of Boggs, Burnside, Gregg, Halfmoon, Huston, Liberty, Marion, Penn, Taylor and Worth do not have Christmas tree disposal programs. If residents do not have another way to get rid of their trees, they may bring them to Gate 1 of the Centre County Recycling and Refuse Authority at a minimum charge of $10. The facility, located at 253 Transfer Road in Bellefonte, is open from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday through Saturday.
The boroughs of Centre Hall, Howard and Unionville and the townships of Curtin, Haines, Howard, Miles, Union and Walker did not return phone calls about natural tree disposal. The Haines Township office is closed for the holidays, according to its website.
Correction: This article was updated at 1:35 p.m. Jan. 5 to reflect that Halfmoon Township does not have a Christmas tree recycling program.
This story was originally published December 30, 2025 at 11:48 AM.
