City to Offer Free Christmas Tree Recycling

South Bend, Indiana, is offering a municipal Christmas tree recycling programme, providing a cost-saving opportunity for residents. From January 5th to 29th, 2026, the city will collect trees for free on regular refuse collection days, converting them into mulch and compost. This initiative, spearheaded by Mayor James Mueller, reduces landfill waste and provides a sustainable resource. Households are limited to one free tree collection; subsequent trees incur a £7.90 charge. Post-January 29th, tree removal is categorised as a regular garden waste collection. This scheme presents a model for other municipalities seeking environmentally sound waste management solutions, while simultaneously mitigating potential budget strain associated with disposal. Read More