El Paso County’s Christmas tree recycle drive collects $20k+ to help local youth sports

COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. (KRDO) -- Since New Year's Eve, El Paso County has raised more than $20,000 to help local youth-development programs.

In two weekends, the county said thousands of households have participated in TreeCycle to recycle their Christmas trees. So far, an estimated 4,000 trees were kept out of the landfill and turned into useful mulch.

These trees were collected at six locations throughout the El Paso County area. There is one extended-hours location that will remain open throughout January.

TreeCycle is organized by El Paso County with help from the City of Colorado Springs, Colorado Springs Utilities, and Colorado Springs Youth Sports.

The donated funds benefit El Pomar Youth Sports Park, Harrison High School Football, Cheyenne Mountain Lacross, Ranger Lacross, and Boy Scout Troops 7, 194, and 268.

TreeCycle continues throughout January at Rocky Top Resources, 1755 E. Las Vegas Street, from 7:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. on weekdays from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Saturdays. This location is closed on Sundays and Jan. 16.

All decorations, stands, and spikes must be removed from the tres before drop-off. Only Christmas trees qualify for TreeCycle.

Monetary donations are also being accepted online for Colorado Springs Youth Sports, Inc. here.   

To find more information on TreeCycle click here or call (719) 323-8043.