Gwinnett Daily Post

LAWRENCEVILLE -- Christmas has only just passed, but a local organization is already expecting your old tree.

Each year, Gwinnett Clean and Beautiful hosts its "Bring One for the Chipper" campaign, collecting used Christmas trees that will eventually be mulched and used in local parks. Starting now, those interested can drop their tannenbaums off at any Gwinnett County fire station.

Donations are also accepted at Sims Lake Park in Suwanee and, for city residents only, at 107 Railroad Ave. in Lilburn.

More than 30,000 trees are typically recycled each year through the program, the largest of its kind in the state. Over the years, its estimated that Gwinnettians have recycled more than 1.4 million trees.

The goal, organizers say, is to "save precious landfill space" while providing a safe and environmentally conscious solution for residents trying to dispose of their trees.

Trees will be accepted this year through Jan. 18. They must be stripped of all lights and decorations.

On Jan. 26, Gwinnett Clean and Beautiful will host the main event, bringing together volunteers at Lawrenceville's Bethesda Park to actually run the collected trees through a chipper. Those interested in volunteering can register by visiting gwinnettcb.org and filling out the release agreement. Volunteers must be at least 14 years old.