SUMMIT COUNTY, Utah — As the holiday season draws to a close, Summit County residents have multiple ways to responsibly dispose of their natural Christmas trees. The county is inviting residents to take advantage of five designated drop-off locations for tree recycling, available free of charge until Monday, January 12, 2026. This initiative not only helps residents clear their holiday decorations but also aligns with the county's Brown Waste Diversion initiative, which aims to reduce waste sent to landfills. The drop-off sites are strategically located to provide convenient access for all residents across the county. The locations include: Jeremy Ranch, directly across from the Jeremy Ranch gas station; Silver Creek, at Bell’s Truck Stop; Oakley, beside City Hall; Kamas, behind the city building; and Wanship, next to the stockyards. County officials emphasize that these sites are exclusively for Christmas trees. Residents are required to remove all decorations, including lights, plastic bags, and tree stands, to ensure proper recycling. "We want to make it as easy as possible for our residents to recycle their trees and contribute to our waste diversion goals," said a county representative. By chipping the trees, the county plans to keep them out of landfills, where they would otherwise contribute to waste. This initiative is part of a broader effort to promote environmental sustainability within the community, encouraging residents to think more critically about waste disposal and recycling practices. In addition to the recycling options, the Park City boys and girls lacrosse teams are providing a convenient curbside pickup service as part of a fundraising effort for their upcoming 2025-2026 season. This service is particularly useful for those who may have difficulty transporting their trees to the drop-off sites. The lacrosse teams have scheduled three pickup weekends: Saturday and Sunday, December 27-28, January 3-4, and January 10. Residents interested in the curbside pickup service are asked to place their undecorated trees at the curb where their driveway meets the road by 9 a.m. on the scheduled pickup day. The cost for this service is $40 per tree, with an additional charge of $10 for trees taller than 10 feet. The pickup service is available in various neighborhoods throughout the Park City area, including Pinebrook/Pinewood, Jeremy Ranch, Silver Creek, Trailside/Silver Summit, Old Town, Deer Valley, Promontory, and Summit Park. However, it is important to note that curbside collection is not offered in the Jordanelle neighborhoods. To streamline the process, residents can register their trees for pickup through an online form provided by the lacrosse teams. This initiative not only supports the teams financially but also provides a convenient option for residents to dispose of their trees in an environmentally friendly manner. In light of the ongoing efforts to promote sustainability, Summit County officials are encouraging residents to take advantage of these opportunities. The holiday season often results in an increase in waste, and initiatives like tree recycling and curbside pickups are aimed at minimizing this impact. As the community comes together to recycle their Christmas trees, it reflects a growing awareness of environmental issues and a commitment to sustainable practices. Residents are encouraged to participate in these initiatives, not only to clear their homes of holiday decorations but to contribute positively to the county's environmental goals. For those looking to recycle their Christmas trees this season, the deadline for drop-offs is January 12, 2026. In addition, the lacrosse team's curbside pickup service provides a timely and effective way to support local youth sports while promoting eco-friendly practices. Whether opting for the drop-off locations or the curbside pickup service, residents of Summit County have several convenient options to responsibly dispose of their holiday trees this year, fostering a healthier environment for the community. In conclusion, as the holiday season wraps up, residents are reminded of the importance of responsible waste management. By recycling their Christmas trees through these available options, they can play a vital role in reducing landfill waste and promoting sustainability in Summit County. The collaboration between local government initiatives and community organizations like the Park City lacrosse teams showcases a strong commitment to both environmental stewardship and community support, setting a positive precedent for future initiatives.