Colonial Park Gardens is one of two places in Somerset County residents can drop off their Christmas trees for recycling.

The drop-off location is located at 156 Mettlers Road, Parking Lot F. Trees can be dropped off from Dec. 26 to Jan. 31.

Free mulch will be available at the drop-off sites on a first-come, first-serve basis, according to a press release from Somerset County.. 

This program is a free, eco-friendly, and cost-effective way for residents to dispose of their Christmas trees, according to the release. Mulch and woodchips collected from the recycled trees will be used throughout the park system to help nurture and protect plant life.

 Christmas Tree Recycling Guidelines

• Only natural trees will be accepted
• Only one tree per family will be accepted
• Trees must be free of ornaments, wires, netting, and tinsel
• Recycling wreaths and garlands will NOT be accepted
• Group deliveries and trees from dealers will NOT be accepted 

Trees can also be dropped off at North Branch Park, located at 355 Milltown Road, at the lighted baseball field, in Bridgewater

For more information about the Christmas tree recycling program, contact Surina Rashid at the Somerset County Park Commission Horticulture Department at 908-722-1200, ext. 5721.

Individuals with hearing and speech impairment can call the Relay Service at 711 from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m., Monday to Friday (except holidays).