Several Franklin County municipalities have released their Christmas tree collection and recycling schedules for early 2026. Residents are reminded to remove all ornaments, lights, tinsel and stands before placing trees curbside for pickup.
In Chambersburg, borough crews will collect trees free of charge in two phases beginning at 7:30 a.m. each week. Collection for properties south of Lincoln Way begins the week of Jan. 5. The following week, starting Jan. 12, crews will collect from homes north of Lincoln Way. Trees should be placed at the front curb along the street before collection begins. Questions may be directed to Public Works Director Tyler Fairchild at 717-251-2414 or [email protected].
In Waynesboro, Waste Management will collect natural Christmas trees on Wednesday, Jan. 14. Trees must be at the curb before 5 a.m. that day and free of all decorations and stands. Artificial trees will not be accepted. The borough noted that collected trees will be recycled into usable by-products.
In Mercersburg and nearby areas, free recycling will be available at designated sites. Residents near the Maryland border may also take trees to Washington County convenience centers, including Forty West Landfill, open daily through Jan. 31.
Residents in other Franklin County townships served by private waste haulers should check with their provider. Many haulers collect trees as part of their monthly bulk-item service, and some require trees to be cut into sections shorter than 4 feet. Artificial trees are typically disposed of as regular bulk waste.
