Where To Recycle Holiday Trees In Lake County: Forest Preserves Drop-Off Locations

LAKE COUNTY, IL — The Lake County Forest Preserves District has released its list Christmas tree recycling drop-off sites.

Those interested in recycling their "real, undecorated tree" can do so daily through February 1 from 6:30 a.m. through sunset at the following sites:

• Grant Woods Forest Preserve, 25405 W. Monaville Road, Ingleside
• Greenbelt Forest Preserve, 1110 Green Bay Road, North Chicago
• Half Day Forest Preserve, 24255 Milwaukee Ave., Vernon Hills
• Heron Creek Forest Preserve, 22890 N. Old McHenry Road, Lake Zurich
• Lakewood Forest Preserve, south of Ivanhoe Road near Heron Pond
• Old School Forest Preserve, 28285 St. Mary's Road, Mettawa
• Ryerson Conservation Area 21950 N. Riverwoods Road, Riverwoods
• Van Patten Woods Forest Preserve, 15838 W. Route 173, Wadsworth

Forest preserves officials will use most of the recycled trees to create wood chips for trails and landscaping that enhance the preserves. Some are also used to create "fish cribs."

The Lake County Forest Preserves has been accepting trees for recycling for at least 20 years, and most years, more than 1,000 trees are donated.