Recycling sites announced for love Christmas trees

OREGON – The Ogle County Solid Waste Management Department (OCSWMD) will once again partner with units of local government and certain high school Future Farmers of America (FFA) chapters to conduct the annual Christmas tree collection and recycling program.

Since the program began in 1999, there have been over 17,100 trees collected, with trees averaging around 50 pounds each, that equates to approximately 428 tons of trees which were all turned into usable mulch.

Starting Dec. 26, the cities and villages that will have drop-off points are:

Oregon: Park District Maintenance Dept., 507 Hill St.

Byron: Byron boat launch lot, E. Blackhawk Dr. (Rt. 2)

Forreston: 407 N. Locust St.

Leaf River: 208 Railroad St.

Rochelle: Atwood Park, 10th Ave. and 20th St.

Monroe Center: Lichty’s Landscaping, 309 Pacific St.

Polo: Southwest corner of E. Colden St. and S. Green Ave.

On Saturday, Jan. 11, 2025, local FFA chapters will provide curbside pick-up for trees. Byron, Forreston, Leaf River, Mt. Morris, Polo, and Oregon residents are asked to remove all decorations, lights, plastic bags, and place their tree at their curb by 8 a.m. This pick-up service is only offered in those six towns.

For Rochelle residents, the Rochelle Street Department will mulch trees at the curb during the first two weeks of January, weather permitting. Drop-off locations will open until Friday, Jan. 17, 2025.

All trees should be free of light strands, garland, and other decorations, no wreaths or other designs with wire backings, no artificial trees.

For more information regarding this program, including specific drop-off points for trees or the FFA collection service, contact the OCSWMD at 815-732-4020, visit the Ogle County Solid Waste Management Dept. on Facebook, or visit www.oglecountyil.gov.