The Department of Environmental Services promotes the practice of sustainability through education and awareness. When it's cold outside it can be difficult to get outside or motivate yourself. However, there are plenty of things to do in order to stay warm and sustainable.
Seasonal Recycling Lights, Trees & Shipping material
These locations and rates verified at start of season. Call to confirm prior to arriving.
| Business | Address | Phone | Fee |
|---|---|---|---|
| All Metal Recycling | 3340 W. Division | 417.862.0011 | None |
| Commercial Metals Company | 634 E. Phelps | 417.862.0548 | None |
| Complete Electronic Recycling | 2935 W. Chestnut Expy | 417.864.4415 | None |
| Computer Recycling Center | 528 N. Prince Lane | 417.866.2588 | None |
| Home Depot | 2935 E. Independence drop box at tree lot | 417.881.7277 | None |
| Lowe's | 1850 E. Primrose St. only location | 417.889.1980 | None |
All info subject to change. Call before you go to check availability and fees.
Springfield residents are reminded that Christmas trees are not accepted at Missouri landfills; however, several options are available for recycling this year’s Christmas trees.
| Business | Address | Phone | Fee |
|---|---|---|---|
| Yardwaste Recycling Center | 3790 S. Farm Rd. 119 Brookline, MO | 417.864.1904 | No Fee Dec. 28 - Jan. 29 (residential trees only) |
| Wickman's | 1345 S. Fort Ave. | 417.862.3707 | $5 per tree donation |
| Bass Pro Shops | 1938 S. Campbell Ave. | 417.873.4567 | $10 per tree donation |
| Hansen's Greenwaste | 3341 S. Farm Road 107 Brookline, MO | 417.877.8733 | No Fee Dec. 27 - Jan. 31 (residential trees only) |
CITY OF SPRINGFIELD YARDWASTE RECYCLING CENTER
The Yardwaste Recycling Center accepts trees at 3790 S. Farm Road 107, Brookline, Mo.
Dates accepted: Year-round. Closed on national holidays.
Hours: 8am-5pm, Tuesday-Saturday; closed Sundays and Mondays and national holidays.
Fee: No fee charged Dec. 29, 2021 – Jan. 30, 2022; for single residential trees (only).
Christmas trees, wreaths, garland, live decorations; otherwise standard fees will apply.
Donations are accepted. Existing fees will apply to all other loads, including Christmas trees.
Uses: Trees will be ground into screened and unscreened wood chip mulch, which is available for purchase at the YRC & Lone Pine recycling centers.
Directions: YRC is located off W. Sunshine in Brookline - turn south on FR 115, turn east on FR 164, and follow the signs from there.
Special instructions: Remove tree stands and all decorations, no flocked trees accepted.
Trees are NOT accepted at the Franklin Ave. and Lone Pine recycling centers.
For more information contact: Recycling Hotline, 864-1904; or visit our website at springfieldmo.gov/recycling
WICKMAN’S
Wickman’s will accept trees at 1345 S. Fort Ave.
Dates accepted: Starting Dec. 27, 2021
Hours: Monday-Saturday; 8 a.m. - 5 p.m.
Fee: $5 recommended per tree; proceeds donated to Ozarks Area Community Action Corporation (OACAC)
Special instructions: Remove tree stands and all decorations, no flocked trees accepted.
For more information contact: 862-3707
BASS PRO SHOPS
Bass Pro will accept trees at 1983 S. Campbell Avenue, across the street from the main store entrance.
Dates accepted: Dec. 26 - Dec. 30, 2021
Hours: Noon to 6 p.m. daily
Fee: $10 per tree donation recommended; benefiting projects of the Ozarks Trail Council Boy Scouts Wa-Sha-She Lodge Order of the Arrow.
Uses: Trees are used to provide structure and habitat for fish at Table Rock Lake.
Special Instructions: Remove tree stands and all decorations, no flocked trees accepted.
For more information, contact: Bass Pro Communications, 873-4567 or [email protected]
HANSEN’S GREENWASTE
Hansen’s Greenwaste will accept trees at 3341 S. Farm Road 107, Brookline, MO.
Dates accepted: Year-round
Hours: Monday-Friday 8 a.m. - 5:00pm
Fee: No fee charged Dec. 27, 2021-Jan. 31, 2022, for residential Christmas trees (only). After Jan. 31, a $5 fee per tree will apply.
Special instructions: Remove tree stands, all decorations; no flocked trees accepted.
For more information contact: 877-8733
| Business | Address | Phone | Fee |
|---|---|---|---|
| MO Council of the Blind Thrift Store | 2713 N. Kansas Expy | 417.831.7600 | None* |
| Habitat for Humanity Restore | 2410 S. Scenic Ave. | 417.829.4001 | None |
*Drop-off during business hours only
Artificial trees and holiday décor in usable condition are accepted for free at the Habitat for Humanity ReStore and many local thrift stores. This is a great way to give your tree a second chance and bring holiday cheer to a new family. Trees donated at thrift stores must be a useable and in good condition.
STYRofoam peanuts & sheets
We no longer have a local resource that accepts these items, but they can always be reused. You can put these to the side and save them for future gift or packaging needs.
bubblewrap & Airpacks rolls & Sheets
These may also be returned with your plastic shopping bags to any big retailer and supermarket who accept.
Remember to pop prior to recycling.
| Business | Address | Phone | Fee |
|---|---|---|---|
| UPS Store #2223 | 119 N. Massey Blvd., Nixa, MO | 417.725.6366 | None |
Wrapping & Tissue No foil or Glitter - PAPER ONLY
If the wrapping paper is free of glitter, not hard to tear and doesn't reflect the full power of the sun's rays, then it is safe to place in the recycling bin. Tissue paper can also be recycled if it is free of glitter - although it has a lower recyclability and saving that tissue for next year is an ideal alternative.
You may take these to any of the facilities below or place in your curbside.
| Location | Address | Phone | Fee |
|---|---|---|---|
| Franklin Recycling Center | 731 N. Franklin Ave | 417.864.1904 | Free |
| Lone Pine Recycling Center | 3020 S. Lone Pine Ave | 417.864.1904 | Free |
| Yardwaste Recycling Center | 3790 S. Farm Road 119 | 417.864.1904 | Free |
bows & Ribbons Great for next year
These are not recyclable, but generally always reusable. It's never a bad idea to put these to the side and save them to reuse for next year's holiday gifts. Trust us, it's okay, we do it too.
boxes paperboard & cardboard
Not everyone is familiar that there is a difference between paperboard and cardboard. Often paperboard is mistakenly recycled as-if it were cardboard. That gift box you received with the nice folded shirt is made from paperboard. The box that your online shopping purchases were sent in is cardboard.
You may take this to any of the facilities below or place in your curbside.
| Location | Address | Phone | Fee |
|---|---|---|---|
| Franklin Recycling Center | 731 N. Franklin Ave | 417.864.1904 | Free |
| Lone Pine Recycling Center | 3020 S. Lone Pine Ave | 417.864.1904 | Free |
| Yardwaste Recycling Center | 3790 S. Farm Road 119 | 417.864.1904 | Free |
Wondering where to recycle an item?
Ask the Wizard!
The City has a new, easy-to-use tool to help Springfield citizens sort their waste properly. Introducing, the Waste Wizard! Search the online database to find what repurpose, reuse, or recycle options are available throughout our community. Launch the Waste Wizard.
DO IT YOURSELF: Repurpose "Trash" into treasure.
It's easy to ignore the potential of recyclable materials or old and unused goods. In the spirit of sustainability we want to share ideas of how new life can be given to items, such as: scrap paper, cardboard, paperboard, plastic bags, old books, magazines, junk mail, and so much more.
Be green and get crafty!
Ornaments
Don't hang around, get to crafting
All shapes, sizes, materials, quality and colors, ornaments can be crafted out of all sorts of old homemade items and recyclable materials. Click below and follow instructions for any of our ornament projects. Have fun and get experimental; making it even more unique and all your own.
Cards & More
Easy, Green, Affordable and fun
Cards, decorations and gifts are all perfect avenues for giving new life to all of those old materials and recyclable goods. An old food box can be made into a card, a plastic bag can become a wreath or wallet and past magazine subscriptions into wonderful holiday decorations.
HOLIDAY D.I.Y. CRAFT LINKS: Click for steps
Ornaments: For those of us with space on the tree.
HOLIDAY D.I.Y. CRAFT LINKS: Click for steps
Decorations Who isn't looking for a new one?
HOLIDAY D.I.Y. CRAFT LINKS: Click for steps
Cards & More Ways to keep in the spirit of the season.
Repurposed & Recycled Holiday Cards
GREEN GIFT IDEAS: The best gifts aren't at the store.
So often our first and last resort for gift giving starts and ends at an endless number of retailers. Don't bother braving the crowds or hoping that your last-minute online orders arrive.
Instead, consider some of these alternative options that we think are some of the best gifts!
Gift Certificates:
The Parkboard These can be used for activities, golfing, swim lessons, horseback riding, you name it! And did we mention, there is no expiration?!
Memberships:
Dickerson Park Zoo Who doesn't love animals? Give the gift of being able to be around a variety of small and large animals from across the globe.
Classes:
Art Museum Kids and Adults alike love to get their hands sticky with clay and clothes splattered with paint. Give the gift of creativity this holiday with an art class.
RETHINK FOOD: Get the most out of your yums
The holidays and food have become synonymous with one another. This generally results in more food being purchased and prepared and ultimately, more food being wasted. Being more responsible in our meal prep is not only good for our pocketbooks, but our environment, as well.
Reducing food waste is an important aspect of our sustainable teachings. In order to provide the best tips and tricks to prevent your dollar from wilting as fast as your lettuce, we have curated a few of what we believe are the most impactful links from SavetheFood.com to help you in your Green Holiday success.
Meal Preparation: Determine the right amount you need for every holiday meal with the SavetheFood.com Guest-imator.
Food Storage: It seems inconsequential that the way our asparagus, avocados and peanuts are kept could effect the shelf life of these foods. In fact, improper storing can drastically reduce how long your foods remain good.
Cooking with Leftovers & Scraps: We all have them after a meal. Now know what to do with them.
Be a Food Pro in the Know: From freezing to wasting less with kids to deciphering "Use by Dates" be armed with the proper knowledge to be sustainable in the kitchen this holiday.
