STATESBORO, Ga. — As the festive season winds down in Bulloch County, locals are encouraged to recycle their holiday decorations and Christmas trees through two initiatives by Keep-Statesboro-Bulloch Beautiful (KSBB), designed to transform seasonal waste into community benefits.

One such initiative, Bring One for the Chipper, has been a staple across Georgia for over three decades, according to KSBB coordinator Timeka Shannon.

“Over these 30 years, we’ve successfully recycled more than 6 million trees,” Shannon shared.

Residents wishing to contribute their used live trees can drop them off at Statesboro Public Works from now until January 9, just before the main event on January 10.

“On January 10th, we’ll host a live chipping event at the Food World on Northside Drive West,” Shannon explained. “Participants who bring their live trees for chipping will receive free seedlings and mulch as a thank you for their contribution.”

Trees donated will be turned into mulch, biofuel, or fish habitats, according to Shannon.

The event on the 10th will run from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Another drive, Operation Safe Disposal, is also underway through the city’s Public Works.

“We also have a roll off located at Public Works for residents to bring their large boxes and gift wrap from the holiday events as a safe way to dispose of those as opposed to placing them at your curbside,” Shannon said. “You can bring them to one of three locations across Statesboro: at our Statesboro Fire Station 2, the Statesboro Police Department, as well as Public Works.”

The waste collected will be safely disposed of at the landfill.

Shannon said this drive is being held in hopes of stopping crime.

“It helps protect our residents from potential burglars who might see that you’ve gotten some new holiday gifts.”