Christmas tree pickup in Salem, MAChristmas treepickup inSalem.

What the city has posted

The 2026 curbside calendar lists Christmas tree pickup the weeks of 1/1, 1/12 and 12/28. The first two are January 2026; the third, December 28 to 31, 2026, is the one coming. Pickup is on your regular trash day, so your tree goes out with that week's trash. The calendar does not cover January 2027. Last winter the second round was the week of Jan 12, so a January round is likely, but that is not posted. Check the 2027 calendar when it appears on the Recycling and Trash page or call 978-619-5672.

The city pages do not state how to prepare a natural tree. Take off the lights, ornaments, tinsel and stand, and leave it unbagged. Checked November 2026.

Fake trees, wreaths and greens

An artificial tree is not covered by the tree weeks. Salem's volunteer Green Salem guide says to book a bulk item pickup with WM for a fake or plastic tree, $20 per item, at 800-972-4545. Book at least 24 hours ahead; bulk items are collected on your recycling week. Bulk pickups are limited to two items per booking, so a fake tree and a couch together fill one.

The city's pages say nothing about wreaths and garland, so ask the Recycling and Trash office at 978-619-5672 before putting them out with the tree.

JunkRun tree pickup in Salem

Our season is Dec 26 to mid January. A tree at the curb or by the door is $40. One we carry out from inside, up to 8 feet, is $55. A tree over 8 feet, flocked, artificial or from a second floor is $75, and a second tree at the same stop is $15 off.

Many Salem houses open straight onto a brick sidewalk or a short stoop, and a dry tree sheds needles all the way down a staircase. Lay a sheet under it, and we will take the stand and lights off if you leave them. If the city week has passed or you want the tree out the day after Christmas, text us.

Getting a Salem tree ready for its week

• ✓Strip lights, tinsel, ornaments and the stand.
• ✓Leave it loose and bare; the city pages set no bagging rule.
• ✓Set it at the curb on your normal trash day.
• ✓Keep it clear of your carts: WM needs 3 feet of space on both sides of each cart.
• ✓Fake tree: book a $20 WM bulk pickup instead.
• ✓Check the 2027 calendar for the January weeks, or call 978-619-5672.

Local resources in Salem

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

• Transfer station

  Salem Transfer Station (Yard Waste & Cardboard)

  Accepts: Yard waste in paper bags or loose, and clean flattened cardboard, for Salem residents with ID. No household trash, no construction debris, no commercial vehicles.

  Open Saturdays 7 a.m.-3 p.m. and Sundays 9 a.m.-5 p.m. in season (typically mid-April to mid-December); call the Recycling and Trash office to confirm the 2026 closing date. In Salem itself.

  12 Swampscott Rd, Salem, MA 01970
  978-619-5672

Sources

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

• City of Salem: 2026 Curbside Collection Calendar (PDF): “Curbside Christmas Tree Pickup: Weeks of 1/1, 1/12; 12/28” · accessed November 6, 2026
• Green Salem: Recycling A-Z (Zero Waste Salem volunteers): “If you have a FAKE or PLASTIC tree, book online” · accessed November 6, 2026
• City of Salem: Disposing of Bulk Items & White Goods: “you must call Waste Management at 800-972-4545 to schedule a pick-up for $20” · accessed November 6, 2026