Chicago Christmas Tree Recycling Locations Open Jan. 3

Patty Wetli | December 26, 2025, 5:00 am

Christmas trees can be recycled at more than two dozen Chicago parks, Jan. 3-17. All decorations must be removed, and that includes string. (Patty Wetli / WTTW News)

The holidays aren’t over till the trees are recycled.

Chicago is once again hosting collection sites for real trees at 27 locations around the city (see the map below). Drop off trees in the designated corral at any participating site, Jan. 3-17.

All decorations — including tinsel, lights and ornaments — must be removed first, as well as tree stands and any plastic bags used to transport the tree.

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The trees will be chipped to create mulch, which people can pick up for free at six of the sites beginning Jan. 5:

— Forestry site, 900 E. 103rd St.

— Lincoln Park, east side of Cannon Drive, north of Fullerton Avenue.

— Margate Park, 4921 N. Marine Drive

— Mt. Greenwood Park, 3721 W. 111th St.

— North Park Village Nature Center, 5801 N. Pulaski Road.

— Warren Park, 6601 N. Western Ave.

Residents can also do a little tree recycling at home. Before carting it off to one of the city’s sites, snip off some branches. You can lay these on your garden beds for insulation.

The tree recycling program is run by the Department of Streets and Sanitation, in partnership with the Chicago Park District. More than 22,000 trees were recycled in 2025, officials said.

Artificial trees that have reached the end of their life are generally not recyclable. Decorations and gift wrap — specifically ribbons and bows, as well as any foil or glitter paper — typically can’t be recycled either.