Chicago’s Holiday Tree Recycling Program:

January 8 – 22, 2022

Each holiday season the US spends over $1 billion dollars on fresh-cut trees. They brighten our homes, infuse the air with merriment, and after a few days or weeks, out they go.

Enter Chicago’s Christmas Tree Recycling program. The benefits of recycling/mulching trees are twofold: nutrients from the trees are preserved and given back to the soil, while tons of valuable organic material is diverted from landfills.

Chicago’s Holiday Tree Recycling Program runs from January 8th through the 22nd at dozens of parks across the City.

Only live/natural trees without flocking are accepted (no garland or wreaths). Because the trees are mulched, all tinsel, ornaments, lights, and stands must be removed. Plastic bags used for transport should also be removed before putting trees in the stalls.

The mulch that’s created from the Christmas Tree Recycling program is used in local parks to protect and nourish plants and soil. Mulch will also be made available to Chicago residents, free of charge, starting Jan. 10th at six locations.

For tree recycling locations, please visit: https://www.recyclebycity.com/chicago/brief/christmas-tree-recycling