After the winter holidays, local authorities in Bucharest and other cities across Romania have launched free collection campaigns for natural Christmas trees. The move comes in response to the large number of trees abandoned on sidewalks, in green spaces, or next to waste bins—practices that can result in fines of up to 5,000 lei.

The goal of these campaigns is twofold: to keep cities clean and to ensure proper management of green waste so that trees can be recycled or reused responsibly. According to authorities, disposing of Christmas trees correctly is also a matter of civic responsibility.

How Christmas trees are collected and what rules apply

Throughout January, sanitation operators, working together with local authorities, collect natural Christmas trees through special programs established under local sanitation contracts.

Collection is free of charge, but several clear rules must be followed:

• the tree must be completely cleared of ornaments, lights, tinsel, stands, and any artificial materials;
• it must not be placed in household waste bins;
• it must not be abandoned on sidewalks, in parks, or other green spaces;
• burning Christmas trees in yards or gardens is discouraged due to smoke and harmful emissions.

Following these rules allows for faster recycling and protects the equipment used in processing.

Reusing the tree: a simple eco-friendly option

For families with a yard or garden, Christmas trees can also be reused. Once shredded, they can be used for soil mulching or compost, helping retain moisture and improve soil quality. Branches can also serve as temporary shelters for birds or be used for decorative purposes.

Christmas tree collection in Bucharest, sector by sector

In the capital, each sector has its own collection system:

• Sector 1: Free collection starting January 10–11, 2026; for houses, collection is available only by appointment. Fines for illegal disposal can reach 5,000 lei.
• Sector 2: Free collection until the end of January; trees can also be dropped off at the Obor and Baicului centers, where they are turned into natural fertilizer.
• Sector 3: Trees can be left near waste collection points or street containers, from where they are collected daily.
• Sector 4: Residents are asked to leave trees near waste collection areas, to be picked up by sanitation crews.
• Sector 5: Free collection between January 2 and 15, 2026, from in front of houses or behind apartment buildings.
• Sector 6: Trees can be taken to one of the 12 separate collection centers in Militari, Crângași, Giulești, and Drumul Taberei.

Recycling vouchers

In addition to municipal campaigns, some major retail chains organize Christmas tree collection points. In exchange for handing in a tree, participants may receive shopping vouchers as part of commercial recycling initiatives.

Authorities remind residents that randomly discarding Christmas trees is no longer tolerated. Beyond the risk of fines, proper disposal remains the simplest way to keep the city clean after the holidays—and a practical lesson for children about environmental responsibility.