Dispose of your real Christmas tree for free in January
Last updated on 07 January 2026
Macedon Ranges residents will have the option to dispose of their real Christmas trees for free this month only, with usual green waste drop-off fees to be temporarily waived for the festive feature.
Aligning with Council’s strong recycling record and waste management priorities, resource recovery facilities at Romsey, Kyneton and Woodend will accept the delivery of pine trees at no cost on weekends in January (including 31 January/1 February) during regular hours (10am-4pm).
Conditions applying to this offer include that trees must be natural (not artificial); be free from any decorations; and have a diameter no larger than 250mm (current large branch criteria for mulching). Charges may still apply for any other applicable waste being disposed of.
Mayor Kate Kendall said the simple gesture was another sensible addition to Council’s extensive suite of sustainable and accessible recycling options.
“Some households may have already safely dismantled and disposed of their trees through the green-lidded kerbside FOGO bin, but for those who haven’t or for those with slightly larger trees, we’re pleased to be able to offer this initiative for the first time to help with Christmas clean-ups,” she said.
Council’s resource recovery facilities already accept the disposal of a range of items for free – such as e-waste, polystyrene, textiles, and soft plastics – in support of community-driven efforts to divert as much waste as possible away from landfill.
While green waste drop-off charges have applied in the Macedon Ranges since July 2024, following direction from the Victorian Government to move certain costs away from the waste charge in annual rates, Council has endeavoured to support property clean-ups through strategically timed free green waste disposal weeks, and financial year-tied vouchers in mail-delivered ShireLife newsletters.
Resource recovery facilities have varying opening hours and are closed on certain public holidays, on days when the Fire Danger Rating for the Central district is Extreme or Catastrophic, or on days of Total Fire Ban.
For more information on Council’s resource recovery facilities, including green waste drop-off, visit mrsc.vic.gov.au/RRF