But don’t kick it to the curb or alley. Chicago’s annual tree recycling program kicks off Saturday and runs through Jan. 21 at 26 locations across the city.
Make sure to remove all ornaments, lights, tinsel and tree stands before dropping off a tree. Any plastic bags used to transport trees should also be removed. In 2021, nearly 20,000 trees were recycled, diverting 700,000 pounds from landfill, according to the Department of Streets and Sanitation. The trees will be turned into mulch, for use in local parks and forests. People can even pick up free mulch for home use at six of the locations, starting Jan. 10.— Forestry Site*, 900 E. 103rd St.— Humboldt Park Boathouse, 1369 N. Sacramento Ave.— Kelvyn Park, 4438 W. Wrightwood Ave.— Margate Park*, 4921 N. Marine Drive— McKinley Park, 2210 W. Pershing Road— Norwood Park , 5800 N. Avondale Ave.— Rowan Park, 11546 S. Avenue L— Warren Park*, 6601 N. Western Ave.