Peoria Standard

In an effort to promote sustainability and reduce waste, the Lake County Forest Preserves is encouraging residents to recycle their Christmas trees. Instead of sending them to the landfill, the trees will be repurposed into wood chips for trails and landscaping in the forest preserves.

Residents are urged to bring their real, undecorated trees to one of the eight marked drop-off sites before February 1st. These drop-off sites are open daily from 6:30am to sunset. However, it is important to note that yard waste or commercial drop-offs will not be accepted.

The Greenbelt in North Chicago and Van Patten Woods in Wadsworth are the closest drop-off sites to Waukegan. By participating in this initiative, residents can contribute to the preservation of the local environment and help create a greener tomorrow.

According to the Lake County Forest Preserves spokesperson, "Recycling Christmas trees is a simple and effective way to reduce waste and promote sustainability. By repurposing these trees into wood chips, we can enhance the trails and landscaping in our forest preserves, providing a better experience for visitors while also benefiting the environment."

This initiative aligns with the forest preserves' commitment to preserving and protecting natural resources. The recycled wood chips will not only improve the aesthetics of the trails and landscaping but also provide a natural and sustainable alternative to traditional mulch.

Residents are reminded to ensure that their trees are free from any decorations, lights, or tinsel before dropping them off. This will facilitate the recycling process and ensure that the wood chips produced are of the highest quality.

By recycling Christmas trees, Lake County residents can make a tangible impact on the environment and contribute to the ongoing efforts to create a more sustainable community.

So, this holiday season, let's all make a conscious effort to recycle our Christmas trees and work towards a greener future. As the saying goes, "From festive to forest," let's transform our trees into something that will benefit us all.

Click this link to access more information: https://www.waukeganil.gov/CivicAlerts.aspx?AID=339