Goat-ting rid of your tree: Guide to recycling your Christmas tree in Chicago

O Christmas Tree, O Christmas Tree,

Let’s recycle you with glee!

Your branches once adorned the light,

Now you’ll help the earth take flight.

O Christmas Tree, O Christmas Tree,

You’ll keep on giving joy to me!

O Christmas Tree, O Christmas Tree,

Recycling brings us harmony.

From curbside to the park you go,

Helping nature’s rhythm flow.

O Christmas Tree, O Christmas Tree,

You’re a gift for all to see!

O Christmas Tree, O Christmas Tree,

To the farm, you’ll soon be free!

Goats will munch and nature thrive,

You’ll help the planet stay alive.

O Christmas Tree, O Christmas Tree,

Your gift to earth is meant to be!

Since 1990, The Chicago Department of Streets and Sanitation has partnered with the Chicago Park District for their annual Holiday Tree Recycling Program. Trees can be dropped off at 27 Chicago parks throughout the city. Seven of these locations will have free mulch available  to residents to pick up beginning on Jan. 13. The mulched trees will also be used in Chicago parks and forests. Only live and fresh trees free of ornaments, tinsel and lights are eligible for donation at the following locations:

• Bessemer Park, 8930 S. Muskegon Ave.

• Clark Park, 3400 N. Rockwell St.

• Forestry Site, 900 East 103rd Street--mulch available beginning Jan. 13

• Garfield Park, 100 N. Central Park Ave.

• Grant Park, 900 S. Columbus Dr.

• Hiawatha Park, 8029 W. Forest Preserve Dr.

• Humboldt Park Boathouse, 1301 N. Humboldt Dr.

• Jackson Park, 6300 S. Cornell Ave.

• Kennedy Park, 2427 W. 113th St.

• Kelvyn Park, 4438 W. Wrightwood Ave.

• Lake Meadows Park, 3117 S. Rhodes Ave.

• Lincoln Park, east side of Cannon Drive at Fullerton Avenue-- mulch available beginning Jan. 13

• Mahalia Jackson Park, 8385 S. Birkhoff Ave. 

• Margate Park, 4921 N. Marine Dr.--mulch available beginning Jan. 13

• Marquette Park, 6700 S. Kedzie Ave.

• McKinley Park, 2210 W. Pershing Rd.

• Mount Greenwood Park, 3721 W. 111th St.--mulch available beginning Jan. 13

• North Park Village, 5801 N. Pulaski Rd.--mulch available beginning Jan. 13

• Norwood Park service yard, 5800 N. Avondale Ave.

• Portage Park, 4100 N. Long Ave.

• Riis Park, 6201 W. Wrightwood Ave.

• Rowan Park, 11546 S. Avenue L

• Sheridan Park, 910 S. Aberdeen St.

• Walsh Park, 1722 N. Ashland Ave.

• Warren Park, 6601 N. Western Ave.--mulch available beginning Jan. 13

• Wentworth Park, 5701 S. Narragansett Ave.

• West Chatham Park, 8223 S. Princeton Ave.

Trees should be deposited in the tree recycling corrals at each designated location–or for a fun and eco-friendly way to recycle your tree, skip the park and donate it to a local goat farm.

The nonprofit Urban Growers Coalition is now accepting fresh, undecorated Christmas trees at their South Chicago Farm to provide a healthy and fun treat for the farm's 15 Nigerian pygmy goats. Pine trees offer the goats a great source of Vitamins A and C, and they love nibbling on the bark, branches, and leaves. Not only does this serve as a tasty snack, but the pine also helps promote a healthy digestive tract for the goats while offering an entertaining and nutritious addition to their diet.

South Chicago Farm is located at 9001 S. Mackinaw Ave. The farm has already begun accepting donations and will continue to do so until Jan. 11, 2025, from 8.30 a.m. to 5 p.m.. After hours drop-offs are also accepted by leaving the unwrapped, clean trees at the front entrance gate.

By donating your Christmas tree through the city program or the farm, you're contributing to a sustainable tradition that benefits both the environment and furry friends in need of a festive snack. Continue the festive spirit in a unique way and turn your holiday decor into a gift that keeps on giving!