Wake County is encouraging residents to embrace the spirit of giving after Christmas by donating undecorated live Christmas trees to the Happy Trails Christmas Tree Recycling Program between Dec. 26, 2025, and Jan. 31, 2026.
“The Happy Trails Program is a win-win for everyone,” said a Wake County commissioner. “Through this program, residents can dispose of their trees for free, reduce landfill waste and help improve the county’s parks. It’s also a way for residents to give back to the community, either by donating or volunteering.”
Since 2012, residents have donated nearly 60,000 trees to the Happy Trails program, producing approximately 1,156 tons of nutrient-rich mulch used to maintain Wake County park trails. During the 2024–25 campaign alone, about 3,800 trees were recycled into 83 tons of mulch. School groups, Scout troops and other volunteers also help spread mulch along the trails.
With the addition of Beech Bluff County Park, nine locations across Wake County will accept trees this year. Recycling is free, but all decorations must be removed before drop-off.
Wake County Solid Waste Convenience Centers
Open daily from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m.:
- 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
Wake County Parks Accepting Tree Drop-Offs
Open daily from 8 a.m. until sunset:
- Green Hills County Park – 9300 Deponie Drive, Raleigh
- Blue Jay Point County Park – 3200 Pleasant Union Church Road, Raleigh
- Harris Lake County Park – 2112 County Park Drive, New Hill
- Lake Crabtree County Park – 1400 Aviation Parkway, Morrisville
- Beech Bluff County Park – 3321 NC Highway 42, Willow Spring
Holiday Closures
- Wednesday, Dec. 24 – Christmas Eve
- Thursday, Dec. 25 – Christmas Day
- Thursday, Jan. 1 – New Year’s Day
The program is a partnership between Wake County’s Solid Waste Management Division and the Parks, Recreation and Open Space Department.
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. The division manages 17 facilities, including a landfill, transfer station, convenience centers and recycling drop-off locations.
About Wake County Parks, Recreation and Open Space
Wake County Parks, Recreation and Open Space preserves open space, promotes stewardship and provides inclusive education and outdoor recreation opportunities. In 2025, more than 1.85 million people visited Wake County’s parks and nature preserves.
