Festive lighting, windowsill candles and ornamented Christmas trees are staples of the holidays, but these decorative items also pose a fire risk if handled improperly.  Holiday lights and other decorative lighting have been involved in an estimated average of 150 home fires per year in California.  These fires cause an average of eight civilian deaths, 14 injuries, and $8.5 million in direct property damage per year.

Decorating Tips

• Be careful with holiday decorations. Choose decorations that are flame resistant or flame retardant.

• Keep lit candles away from decorations and other things that can burn.

• Use lights that have the label of an independent testing laboratory. Check the packaging; some lights are only for indoor use.

• Replace any string of lights with worn or broken cords or loose bulb connections.

• Connect no more than three strands of mini light sets and a maximum of 50 bulbs for screw-in bulbs.

• Use clips, not nails, to hang lights so the cords do not get damaged.

• Keep decorations away from windows and doors.

Safety Tips

• Keep your tree well watered. A dry tree can be extremely dangerous.

• Replace any string of lights with worn or broken cords or loose bulb connections.

• Connect no more than three strands of mini string sets and a maximum of 50 bulbs for screw-in bulbs.

• Never use lit candles to decorate the tree.

• Always turn off Christmas tree lights before leaving home or going to bed.

• Get rid of the tree when it is dry.

• Bring outdoor electrical lights inside after the holidays to prevent hazards and make them last longer.

Christmas Tree Recycling Program

Christmas trees, garlands and wreaths can be recycled in your green waste bin when the holidays are over.  City’s trash hauler (Waste Management Inc.) collects Christmas trees from its residential customers during the two weeks following Christmas at no additional charge.  Be sure the tree is cut into three-foot sections and remove any tree stands, nails, tinsel and decorations.  

Christmas trees should have all of the following removed:

• Plastic water containers

• Tinsel

• Metal stands and bars

• Garlands

• Ornaments

• Lights

Flocked trees coated with fire retardants will not be accepted.

Next year, consider an artificial tree or a live tree that can be planted after the holidays.

Make sure to also visit MAKE YOUR HOLIDAY SEASON Greener webpage.

For more information, please contact the City of Calabasas Recycling Coordinator at (818) 224-1600.