Sustainable use of discarded Christmas trees in the zoo
The Vivarium Zoo will again be accepting used organic Christmas trees on Friday, January 9, 2026. Drop-off is possible between 1 p.m. and 3 p.m.
“Whether eco-friendly or organic: When buying a Christmas tree, it’s worth taking a look at how it was grown and where it came from. This way, all citizens can contribute to the sustainable disposal of their Christmas tree,” explains City Treasurer André Schellenberg.
Organic trees as food and enrichment for animals
At the Vivarium Zoo, natural and untreated Christmas trees are put to good use. They serve as food for goats and sheep, among other things, and are used as enrichment material in the monkey enclosures . To verify the trees' ecological origin, please bring your receipt .
Alternative disposal via the composting plant
Christmas trees that do not meet the criteria for disposal at the zoo can be dropped off free of charge at the Darmstadt composting facility . The only requirement is that the trees are completely free of Christmas decorations such as tinsel.
The composting plant at Eckhardwiesenstraße 25 is
- Monday to Friday from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.
- Saturdays from 9 am to 1 pm .
DARMSTADT – RED/PSD/dk)
