Rio Rancho Offers Free Christmas Tree Mulching Through January 12

Rio Rancho residents can drop off real Christmas trees at the Rio Rancho Sports Complex, 3501 High Resort Blvd., through Monday, January 12. The city is accepting trees daily from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., and the trees will be mulched free of charge. Residents must remove all decorations before handing over their trees.

The collection began January 3 and remains in effect through the Jan. 12 deadline. The program is structured as a short-term municipal service that offers an alternative to landfill disposal during the post-holiday period. By providing free drop-off and mulching, the city is making it easier for households to comply with proper disposal practices and divert organic material from the solid waste stream.

For residents, the program reduces the burden of hauling trees to transfer stations or scheduling bulky-item pickups. Removing decorations prior to drop-off helps crews process trees more efficiently and prevents damage to mulching equipment. The Sports Complex site at 3501 High Resort Blvd. serves as the designated collection point for the city-run service during the advertised dates and hours.

From a policy perspective, local mulching programs like this one support waste-reduction objectives without requiring new fees or complicated scheduling for residents. Offering free mulching can lower municipal costs associated with landfill tipping fees and extend the useful life of landscaping materials by returning mulch to public-works projects or making it available for community use. Short-term seasonal programs also reflect how municipalities prioritize resources during predictable spikes in green waste following the holidays.

The initiative also has civic implications: clear, accessible services for common household needs can strengthen trust in local government operations and encourage participation in other city recycling and sustainability efforts. Residents who missed the window should watch for future announcements on seasonal disposal programs or contact city services for guidance on alternative disposal options.

The drop-off service continues through January 12, with daily hours from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Residents planning to participate should bring trees free of decorations to the Rio Rancho Sports Complex at 3501 High Resort Blvd.