Christmas tree pickup in Wellesley, MAChristmas treepickup inWellesley.

Taking a tree to the RDF

The RDF Recycling Guide lists Christmas trees under wood waste, along with brush and bushes, and says to leave out ornaments and wire. The Swellesley Report saw trees piling up in the RDF yard waste section in December 2025 and noted they must be stripped of decorations; the RDF grinds them into wood chips used around town.

You need an RDF sticker. Hours are Monday to Wednesday 7 a.m. to noon, Thursday to Saturday 7 a.m. to 3:45 p.m.. Sundays are closed December to March, and the RDF is closed Christmas Eve and Day and New Year's Eve and Day. Checked November 2026.

JUNKRUN tree pickup in Wellesley

We pick up from December 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; over 8 feet, flocked, artificial, or from a second floor is $75. A second tree at the same stop is $15 off.

Wellesley's long driveways and stone walls are easy on the crew. A steep or icy drive slows us down, so shovel a path to the tree.

Why waiting until February is a mistake

A dry tree drops needles all the way out the door, so lay a sheet under it and tip it out trunk first. Do not bag it in plastic. The rules say mulching materials must be free of foreign matter, including plastic bags. Since the town does not collect trees, one left at the curb in January stays at the curb.

The RDF is closed on Sundays in winter, so a Saturday drop-off before 3:45 p.m. is your last chance each week.

Getting a Wellesley tree ready

• ✓Take off lights, tinsel, ornaments, wire and the stand.
• ✓Do not put the tree in a plastic bag.
• ✓Lay a sheet or tarp under it and carry it out trunk first.
• ✓Driving it yourself? Check your RDF sticker and the Monday to Saturday hours first.
• ✓Skip December 24, December 25, December 31 and January 1: the RDF is closed.

Local resources in Wellesley

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

  Wellesley Recycling and Disposal Facility (RDF)

  Accepts: Household trash and bulky waste, mattresses and box springs, appliances ($20 each residential), TVs and computers, metal, brush, leaves, Christmas trees, textiles, recycling, paint on drop-off days

  Residents with an RDF sticker only. Mon to Wed 7 a.m. to noon, Thu to Sat 7 a.m. to 3:45 p.m., Sunday 10 to 3 through November (closed Sundays December to March). In Wellesley itself.

  169 Great Plain Avenue, Wellesley, MA 02482
  781-235-7600 ext. 3345
• Town

  Wellesley Department of Public Works

  Accepts: RDF questions and sticker help; email dpw@wellesleyma.gov

  Open Monday to Friday 7 a.m. to 4 p.m. The RDF runs under DPW. In Wellesley itself.

  20 Municipal Way, Wellesley, MA 02481
  Website for Wellesley Department of Public Works781-235-7600

Sources

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

• Wellesley RDF Recycling Guide (PDF): “Sample Items: Brush, Bushes, Christmas Trees” · accessed November 6, 2026
• Town of Wellesley: Recycling & Disposal Facility (RDF): “Please be advised that The Town of Wellesley does not offer trash pick-up services” · accessed November 6, 2026
• Town of Wellesley: When is the RDF open? (FAQ): “Sunday (April - November)” · accessed November 6, 2026
• Wellesley RDF Rules and Regulations (Article 3400): “Permits shall be issued to Wellesley residents only” · accessed November 6, 2026