This is the last week for Wake County residents to dispose of their live, undecorated Christmas trees for free through the Happy Trails Christmas Tree Recycling Program. Trees can be donated through Jan. 31.
“While fewer people are buying living trees, we've been excited to see the ongoing participation in the Happy Trails Program over the years,” said Wake County Commissioner Shinica Thomas. “We're happy to provide a free service that benefits residents by giving them an easy way to dispose of a seasonal decoration and enhances their experience in our parks.”
Since 2012, residents have donated over 60,000 trees to the Happy Trails program. More than 1,150 tons of aromatic, nutrient-rich mulch have been produced from these trees and spread along Wake County park trails to reduce the growth of harmful vegetation, prevent soil erosion, and improve water retention. Since December 2025, almost 3,400 trees have been donated to the program for the current campaign.
The following Wake County Solid Waste convenience centers are open for tree drop-offs from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m., seven days a week:
- Site 1 – 10505 Old Stage Road, Garner
- Site 2 – 6120 Old Smithfield Road, Apex
- Site 4 – 3600 Yates Mill Pond Road, Raleigh
- Site 11 – 5051 Wendell Blvd./U.S. 64 Business, Wendell
Additionally, the following Wake County parks will accept trees from 8 a.m. until sunset, seven days a week:
- Blue Jay Point County Park – 3200 Pleasant Union Church Road, Raleigh
- Beech Bluff County Park – 3321 NC Highway 42, Willow Spring
- Green Hills County Park – 9300 Deponie Drive, Raleigh
- Harris Lake County Park – 2112 County Park Drive, New Hill
- Lake Crabtree County Park – 1400 Aviation Parkway, Morrisville
The program is a partnership between Wake County’s Solid Waste Management Division and the Parks, Recreation and Open Space Division .
For more information, contact Solid Waste Facilities Manager Jermaine Best at jermaine.best@wake.gov or 919-634-0428, or County Park Manager Ben Wittenberg at ben.wittenberg@wake.gov or 919-870-4329.
About Wake County Solid Waste Management
The Wake County Solid Waste Management Division provides waste disposal and recycling services to residents and businesses in Wake County. The division manages 17 waste facilities including a landfill, waste transfer station, residential waste and recycling convenience centers, household hazardous waste, and multi-material recycling drop-off facilities.
To learn more, visit wake.gov/recycling. You can also join the conversation on Facebook to learn about other sustainability programs and get tips on recycling, composting, and more.
About Wake County Parks, Recreation and Open Space
The Wake County Parks, Recreation and Open Space Division preserves open space, promotes stewardship, and provides equitable and inclusive education and outdoor recreation for a diverse and growing community. In 2025, more than 1.85 million people visited Wake County’s 12 parks and nature preserves.
To learn more, follow Wake County Parks on Twitter and Instagram at @WakeGovParks. You can also find each of our parks on Facebook.
