Christmas tree pickup in ChelmsfordChristmas treepickup inChelmsford.

What the town says

The Leaf and Brush page states real Christmas trees will only be accepted during brush pickup days, and all wires and ornaments must be removed. The brush weeks in the 2026-27 guide are in autumn and spring: the last fall weeks end December 4, and the next is May 10-14, 2027. The town calendar and the Chelmsford Recycle App may show additional dates, so check both in late December.

It is not safe to assume a January trip will come. A tree left at the curb in January without a published pickup is a missed pickup.

What to do in the gap

Options include keeping the tree for the next brush week, cutting it into 6-foot or shorter lengths and tying it for that pickup, or paying a brush service: Community Tree accepts brush all year for a fee at 978-256-0341. We can take a tree in a load as well, at $209 for a quarter trailer, which is worth it when combined with a boxed-up holiday pile or an artificial tree.

The tree should not lean against the house. Dry needles are a fire hazard indoors and in the garage, so move it outside promptly after December 26.

Tree-disposal steps for a town with no January week

• ✓Remove lights, tinsel, hooks and the stand.
• ✓Check chelmsfordma.gov and the Recycle App for any January brush day in late December.
• ✓If none, cut into pieces under 6 ft and under 3 in thick where possible.
• ✓Store outside away from the house until the next brush week.
• ✓Or book a haul if it has to go sooner.

Local resources in Chelmsford

Donation, reuse and recycling options near the pickup. We are not affiliated with these; confirm hours and what they accept before you go.

• Hazardous waste

  Chelmsford DPW Household Hazardous Waste Day

  Accepts: Household hazardous waste per the Annual Recycling Flyer's list: one passenger-vehicle load per household; no sharps, no latex paint; proof of residency required

  Saturday Nov 21, 2026 and April 24, 2027, 9 am-1 pm; off-season by appointment through Clean Harbors Braintree (781-380-7177) or NEDT Sutton (866-769-1621). In Chelmsford itself.

  9 Alpha Rd, Chelmsford, MA 01824
  978-250-5200

Sources

Rules, fees and hours change, so confirm with Chelmsford before you go.

• Chelmsford Leaf and Brush: “Real Christmas Trees will only be accepted during brush pick up days, all wires and ornaments must be removed.” · accessed October 31, 2026
• Chelmsford FY2027 Annual Flyer: “Community Tree accepts brush all year for a FEE: 978-256-0341” · accessed October 31, 2026