How to recycle your Christmas tree in the Rockford area
Rock River Current
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ROCKFORD — Keep Northern Illinois Beautiful is once again collecting natural Christmas trees and processing them into reusable mulch for residents’ yards.
It’s the nonprofit organization’s oldest recycling program, and it runs for two weeks after the New Year. Natural trees are being collected at a dozen sites though Jan. 15. (Full list of sites below.)
All trees must be free of ornaments, stands, lights and other decorations before they’re dropped off. Wreaths are not accepted due to wire frames.
Residents can retrieve mulch for personal use at Rockford City Yards, 523 S. Central Ave., as supplies last. Any unclaimed mulch will be cleared away for use in local parks, tree farms and municipal properties.
Curbside pickup in Rockford
Rock River Disposal is collecting Christmas trees from Rockford residents during their normally scheduled pickup starting Monday, Jan. 5 through Thursday, Jan. 15.
Non-bagged trees should be placed alongside residents’ regular garbage and be free of all ornaments and decorations. Trees exceeding 4-feet should be cut into sections not exceeding 4-feet in length.
Tree drop-off sites
- Alpine Park, 950 S. Alpine Road, Rockford
- Andrews Park, 800 North Central Ave., Rockford
- Gambino Park, 4421 Pepper Drive, Rockford
- Levings Lake, 1420 S. Pierpont Ave., Rockford (east entrance, S. Johnston Ave. at Montague)
- Sandy Hollow Golf Course, 2670 Sandy Hollow Road, Rockford
- Martin Park, 5600 Park Ridge Road, Loves Park (northeast parking lot, south of Riverside)
- Bauman Park, South Walnut St., Cherry Valley (daylight hours only)
- Rockton Boat Ramp, 830 East Main St., Rockton (parking area opposite the ballfield)
- Valley View Farms, 6440 Belvidere Road, Roscoe
- Davis Village Hall, 104 West McKimmy St., Davis
- Pecatonica Wetlands Forest Preserve, 4550 N. Pecatonica Road, Pecatonica (near picnic area)
- Schoonmaker Park, 10500 Ventura Blvd., Machesney Park
Free mulch will be available at Rockford City Yard, 523 S. Central in Rockford.
