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 15,500 trees collected, with trees averaging around 50 pounds each, that equates to approximately 385 tons of tree material which were all turned into usable mulch. 

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

Oregon: Park District Maintenance Dept., 507 Hill St.; Byron: Byron boat launch lot, East Blackhawk Drive (Illinois Route 2); Forreston: 407 N. Locust St.; Leaf River: 605 Main St.; Rochelle: Atwood Park, 10th Avenue. & 20th Street; Monroe Center: Lichty’s Landscaping, 309 Pacific St. and Polo: southwest corner of East Colden Street & South Green Avenue.

On Saturday, Jan. 8, 2022, local FFA chapters will provide curbside pick-up for trees. Remove all decorations, lights, plastic bags and place your tree at your curb by 8 a.m. This pick-up service will be offered in Byron, Forreston, Leaf River, Mt. Morris, Oregon and Polo. For Rochelle residents, the Rochelle Street Department will mulch trees at the curb during the first two weeks of January, weather permitting.

All trees should be free of light strands, garland and other decorations, no wreaths or other designs with wire backings and no artificial trees. Drop-off ends Jan. 23, 2022.

If you have any questions regarding this program, including specific drop-off points for trees or the FFA collection service, please contact the OCSWMD at 815-732-4020, visit the Ogle County Solid Waste Management Dept. on Facebook or go to the county website: oglecounty.org.