Disposing Your Christmas Tree and Lights

Christmas decorations are generally accepted after Thanksgiving. But when do you take them down?

If you're looking to get rid of your Christmas tree or burnt out lights, the New Lenox Park District and Will County have programs to help you.

Christmas Tree Disposal

The will offer a disposal program this year, with donated trees being repurposed and used as mulch and fish habitats at various ponds.

Please make sure donated trees are free from all decorations. Trees may be dropped off at the off Marley Road. There will be signs you can follow that lead to the disposal area. Trees will be accepted from Dec. 26 to Jan. 14 between 7 a.m. and 3 p.m.

For questions or more information, contact the maintenance department at 815-485-3584 or gtravnicek@newlenoxparks.org.

Burnt Lights Recycling

Will County has 13 electronics recycling centers, and all of them will be collecting burnt out holiday lights.

"In this season of celebration, let’s give ourselves a gift by being respectful of our planet," county executive Larry Walsh said. "Take advantage of the services the County provides to keep string lights and other electronics out of our landfill."

Under the Illinois Products Recycling and Reuse Act, which takes effect Jan. 1, it will be illegal to dispose of electronics in any of the state’s landfills.

Locally, the electronics recycling center is located at the office, 1100 S. Cedar Road.