Carmel Parks & Rec to hold annual tree recycling Jan. 2

Live holiday trees to be turned into mulch

Carmel Clay Parks & Recreation (CCPR) will hold a Holiday Tree Recycling event from noon to 3 p.m. on Jan. 2, 2023, at Westermeier Commons in Carmel’s Central Park.

To participate in the drive-thru style event, community members can bring their live, decoration-free tree to the Westermeier Commons parking lot. CCPR staff and volunteers will unload the tree, and it will be donated to Tiffany Lawn and Garden to be mulched. Free warm refreshments and treats will be available as a thank you.

“It’s an organizational goal of ours to reduce single-use waste,” said Caitlin May, CCPR volunteer coordinator. “As a service to the community, and as an opportunity to educate the public about sustainability, we hold a Holiday Tree Recycling event each year where donated trees are later turned into mulch.”

Last year, CCPR held its first Holiday Tree Recycling and community members collectively donated 130 trees.

“Recycling holiday trees gives them a second life,” May said. “By turning the trees into mulch, we return the organic matter and nutrients directly back into the environment. We are proud to offer this event for the community and appreciate all participation. It benefits us all in the long run.”

Have a question or want to volunteer at the event? Email [email protected].