Recycle Your Christmas Trees to Make Mulch for Happy Trails in Wake County

Drop off undecorated trees from Dec. 26 to Jan. 22

Happy Trails Christmas Tree Recycling, 12/26/2022-1/22/2023, with image of tree branches

When it’s time to un-deck the halls and send your tree on its merry way, give one last gift this holiday season and recycle that Christmas tree into mulch for Wake County Park trails.

Through the Happy Trails Christmas Tree Recycling Program, Wake County residents can turn their Christmas trees into mulch that will fortify and beautify park trails around the county. Just drop off your tree at one of eight locations from Dec. 26, 2022, until Jan. 22, 2023.

“The outpouring of community support for Happy Trails is always amazing,” said Shinica Thomas, chair, Wake County Board of Commissioners. “Our trails start each new year with a fresh coat of mulch thanks to this program, which is a real win-win for residents and our parks.”

Last year, we recycled 5,732 trees, which created more than 102 tons of mulch for our trails.

Christmas trees have another purpose beyond the holiday season – revitalizing Wake County Park trails all year long,” said Chris Snow, director of Wake County Parks, Recreation and Open Space.

The following convenience centers are open for tree drop-offs from 7 a.m. until 7 p.m., seven days a week:

The following Wake County parks will accept trees from 8 a.m. until sunset, seven days a week:

All decorations must be removed before recycling Christmas trees. All facilities will be closed for New Year's Day on Sunday, Jan. 1.

The program is a partnership between Wake County’s Solid Waste Management Division and the Parks, Recreation and Open Space Division.

For more information, contact Solid Waste Facilities Manager – Projects Grant Jones at Grant.Jones@wake.gov or 919-856-6436, or Blue Jay Point County Park Manager Ben Wittenberg at Ben.Wittenberg@wake.gov or 919-870-4329.

About Wake County Solid Waste Management

The Wake County Solid Waste Management Division provides waste disposal and recycling services to residents and businesses in Wake County. The division manages 17 waste facilities including a landfill, waste transfer station, residential waste and recycling convenience centers, household hazardous waste and multi-material recycling drop-off facilities.

To learn more, visit wakegov.com/recycling.

About Wake County Parks, Recreation and Open Space

Wake County's Parks, Recreation and Open Space Division preserves open space, promotes stewardship and provides equitable and inclusive education and outdoor recreation for a diverse and growing community. In 2021, more than 1.6 million people visited Wake County’s 11 parks and nature preserves.

To learn more about Wake County Parks, Recreation and Open Space, follow us on Twitter and Instagram at @WakeGovParks. You can also check out each of our parks on Facebook.

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