Where to recycle your Christmas Tree
Every year, there are approximately 25 to 30 million live Christmas trees sold in the United States. That is a lot of trees and the potential for a lot of waste.
Many Christmas trees are landfilled, but most can be recycled or repurposed. In McHenry County, there are multiple locations where Christmas trees can be dropped off to be recycled.
Recycled Christmas trees are chipped/mulched, which is then used in parks, on trails or available as free mulch to the community.
The following locations accept Christmas trees for recycling:
Algonquin Township -3702 U.S. Highway 14, Crystal Lake (847) 639-2700
The Algonquin Township will have Christmas tree recycling available from Dec. 28 through Jan. 22. The drop off will be available from 7 a.m. to 3 p.m., Monday through Friday. (Gates are locked at 3 p.m.). The drop-off site is closed on Saturday and Sunday and will also be closed on Dec. 30, 31 and Jan. 18.
Dorr Township – 12322 Davis Road, Woodstock (815) 338-1060
The Dorr Township Highway Department will accept Christmas trees for recycling from Dec. 28 to Jan. 29. The drop off site will be available during normal business hours, Monday through Friday.
Huntley Park District (847-669-3180 for additional information)
The Huntley Park District will have Christmas tree recycling available from Dec. 26 through Jan. 31 at Sun Valley Farm at Betsey Warrington Park , 12201 West Main St. The trees will be used as mulch in the park district’s beautiful parks.
McHenry County Conservation District (815-338-6223 for additional information)
The McHenry County Conservation District will have Christmas tree recycling available from Dec. 26 to Jan. 15 when parks are open (dawn to dusk).
Drop-off Sites:
- Glacial Park, 6705 Route 31, Ringwood (off Harts Rd. & Route 31)
- Rush Creek, 20501 McGuire Road, Harvard (Twin Oaks parking area— West of pond)
City of Woodstock – (815-338-6118, Public Works for additional information)
The Department of Public Works will collect and mulch Christmas trees from Jan. 4 to Jan. 29. Residents must have their Christmas tree in the parkway by 7 a.m. on their regularly scheduled garbage day to have them collected.
“Please remove all of the decorations from trees and do not leave it in a plastic tree bag,” said MCDH Environmental Health Solid Waste Manager Kelli Boeckmann. “Also remember that if you have an artificial Christmas tree that you might be done using and it is still in good condition, it can be donated locally.”
Most waste haulers will pick up Christmas trees in December and January as part of their contracts with municipalities or the County. Depending on the location and the company, some of the trees may be recycled while others will be landfilled. Check with your waste hauler for specifics on dates and requirements for pick up.
Information and locations for recycling Christmas trees and holiday lights can be found at http://bit.ly/MCDHsolidwaste.
