Wake Co. collecting recycled Christmas trees for park trails

Wake County is asking residents to recycle their Christmas trees after the holiday season this year.

The county said through the Happy Trails Tree Recycling Program, workers will turn the trees into mulch, which will be used to fortify park trails all around Wake County.

Wake County Department of Parks, Recreation and Open Space director Chris Snow said the county recycled nearly 5,350 trees last year, which made more than 110 tons of mulch.

"Our trails start each new year with a fresh coat of mulch thanks to this program, which is a real win-win for residents and our parks," Snow said in a statement.

Residents can drop off their decoration-free Christmas trees seven days a week at designated drop off centers or parks between December 26 and January 26.

Wake County Convenience Centers:

Hours: 7 days a week, 7 a.m. until 7 p.m.

Site 1: 10505 Old Stage Road, Garner

Site 2: 6120 Old Smithfield Road, Apex

Site 4: 3600 Yates Mill Pond Road, Raleigh

Site 11: 5051 Wendell Blvd., Wendell

Wake County Parks:

Hours: 7 days a week, 8 a.m. until sunset

Blue Jay Point County Park: 3200 Pleasant Union Church Road, Raleigh

Harris Lake County Park: 2112 County Park Drive, New Hill

Lake Crabtree County Park: 1400 Aviation Parkway, Morrisville

Green Hills County Park: 9300 Deponie Drive, Raleigh