Summit County, Utah, is once again promoting its annual Christmas tree recycling program, which has been a staple of the community for 15 years. This year, residents can participate in the program until Monday, January 12, 2024, providing an environmentally friendly solution for disposing of holiday trees that have served their festive purpose. The program encourages sustainable practices while also addressing waste management concerns in the region. The county has established five designated drop-off locations for residents to conveniently recycle their Christmas trees. These locations include Wanship, next to the Stockyards; Kamas, behind the City Building; Oakley, beside City Hall; Silver Creek at Bell’s Truck Stop; and Jeremy Ranch across from the gas station. This strategic distribution of drop-off sites ensures that residents from various parts of the county can easily access the recycling service. Tim Loveday, the Solid Waste Superintendent for Summit County, emphasized the importance of proper disposal methods for Christmas trees. He stated, “You can also drop them off at either landfill free of charge. But we need the trees to be clean.” Loveday highlighted a recurring issue where residents leave decorations and lights on the trees, rendering them non-recyclable due to contamination. “We have problems every year with people leaving lights on them; that stuff is contaminated at that point. We can’t recycle that, so you need to pull off those wires,” he explained. Proper disposal of Christmas trees is crucial not only for the recycling process but also for mitigating environmental impact. Loveday pointed out that trees left to decay in landfills can produce harmful greenhouse gases, contributing to climate change. “They take a long time to decompose and release greenhouse gases if they’re left to decay in a landfill,” he warned. In contrast, the recycling initiative allows for the trees to be repurposed and transformed into valuable resources. The recycling program involves chipping the trees into mulch, which is then sent to a facility in Salt Lake City. This mulch is used for landscaping purposes, thereby giving the trees a second life while reducing waste in landfills. Loveday mentioned, “We have a program now where we’re chipping all this brown waste from the Christmas trees, the tree branches, that kind of thing. It keeps it out of our landfill, frees up airspace in the landfill, and ultimately saves the county money in the long run.” This process not only benefits the environment but also presents a cost-effective solution for the county’s waste management. This marks the 15th year of the Christmas tree recycling initiative in Summit County. In previous years, the county has explored various uses for the recycled trees, including in-house chipping and using them as windbreaks along roadways. However, outsourcing the chipping process has proven to be the most efficient method in recent years. Beyond the holiday season, Loveday encourages residents to consider their waste management practices throughout the year. He mentioned a brown waste diversion program implemented in the previous fall, which allows residents to drop off clean tree branches and other brown waste at the landfills for recycling. “As you have tree branches, if you’re taking trees off your property, keep those clean, bring them to either landfill, and we’ll make sure those get chipped and stay out of the waste as well,” he advised. The Christmas tree recycling program not only reflects Summit County's commitment to environmental stewardship but also serves as a reminder of the importance of community involvement in sustainable practices. As residents participate in the recycling initiative, they contribute to a larger movement toward reducing waste and enhancing the local ecosystem. By offering a straightforward and accessible recycling option, Summit County aims to foster a culture of environmental responsibility that extends beyond the holiday season. In summary, the Christmas tree recycling program in Summit County is a vital community effort that encourages sustainable waste disposal practices. With multiple drop-off locations and a focus on ensuring trees are clean and free of decorations, the initiative not only helps to manage waste effectively but also contributes to the creation of valuable recycled products. As the program continues its 15-year tradition, it stands as a testament to the county's dedication to preserving the environment and promoting community engagement in eco-friendly practices.