AKRON, Ohio -- Since the early 1970s, Summit Metro Parks has received tens of thousands of Christmas trees dropped off by local residents after the holidays so they can be chipped into mulch, and used to beautify the parks.

On average, more than 2,000 trees are recycled each year, producing about 125 yards of much, said Metro Parks spokesman Nathan Eppink. The mulch is spread out near trailheads and used to create landscaping compost.

You can drop off your live Christmas tree - cleaned of all decorations, garland and tinsel - from Dec. 26-Jan. 31, 2018 at the following locations:

Firestone Metro Park

Little Turtle Pond

2400 Harrington Rd., Akron

Furnace Run Metro Park

Brushwood Area

4955 Townsend Rd., Richfield

Goodyear Heights Metro Park

Main Entrance (rear parking lot)

2077 Newton St., Akron

Nimisila Reservoir Metro Park

South Main 2 Lot

5531 S. Main St., Green

Sand Run Metro Park

Treaty Line Area

995 Treaty Line Rd., Akron

Silver Creek Metro Park

Big Oak Area

5199 Medina Line Rd., Norton

Visitors should look for the small signs that identify the drop-off locations. For more information, visit Summit Metro Parks website or call 330-865-8065.

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