Mulchfest 2025-26

Recycle your holiday tree at Mulchfest and take home a bag of mulch!

Beginning December 26th, the NYC Parks Department along with the NYC Department of Sanitation will take your Christmas tree and recycle it for mulch.  

When does Mulchfest take place?

Tree drop-off begins on December 26th, 2025 and continues through January 11th, 2026.

Drop off your tree during Park hours (Central Park is open daily from 6 AM to 1 AM).

Or, bring it on Chipping Weekend (Saturday and Sunday, January 10th and 11th, from 10 AM to 2 PM) to have it turned into your very own bag of mulch. You can use the mulch in your backyard or make a winter bed for a street tree!

What do I need to know?

Before you bring your tree to Mulchfest, you must remove any:

• Plastic bags
• Lights
• Ornaments
• Tinsel
• Tree stands
• Netting
• Other tree-related accessories

Where are the locations?

There are three locations in Central Park:

• East 109th Street and Fifth Avenue - drop-off only
• West 67th Street and Central Park West (north side of Tavern on the Green entrance) - drop-off only
• West 81st Street and Central Park West, at the bridle path - chipping location

Can I volunteer to help?

Yes! Help spread mulch from Mulchfest around city trees with the Stewardship Team.

Register here to volunteer.

Additional locations:

If Central Park is not convenient for you, there are 74 drop-off points to choose from.