Winnebago County - Each year Keep Northern Illinois Beautiful collects in excess of 30,000 Christmas trees. Trees are turned into mulch which is then made available, first come first served, to local residents for use in their gardens. Since 1988, KNIB has collected and processed over one half million trees. Pine mulch is excellent for use with acid-loving plants such as roses, lilacs, azaleas, rhododendrons, hydrangeas and evergreens. Other uses include ground cover for walkways and fence rows. This mulch is available to local residents and small business owners at no charge. You are encouraged to gather as much free mulch as you can personally use at your home or business. Bring your own shovels and bags for transporting. All mulch must be off the ground by April 7. The early bird gets the mulch.

The recycling drop-off locations are Don Schmid Youth Sports Center at Riverdahl Park, Rockford; Blackhawk Park, 15th Avenue, Rockford; Levings Lake, east entrance off Johnston Avenue, Rockford; Andrews Park, 800 N. Central Ave., Rockford; Gambino Park, Pepper Drive at North Alpine Road, Rockford; Alpine Park, 900 S. Alpine Road, Rockford; Martin Park, Park Ridge Road off East Riverside Boulevard, Loves Park; Machesney Park Village Hall, 300 Machesney Road; Baumann Park, behind the maintenance building on South Walnut Street, Cherry Valley; Williams Tree Farm, 4661 Yale Bridge Road, northern Winnebago County; Rockton Boat Ramp parking lot, off Hononegah Road; Valley View Farms, 6440 Belvidere Road, Roscoe; and Westlake Village, next to boat launch at Smith Road, Winnebago.