Keep Dawson County Beautiful volunteers are asking the community to go green this holiday season by recycling real Christmas trees that will be chipped into mulch.

Bring One for the Chipper, the annual recycling program, has collected and recycled more than 5.9 million Christmas trees statewide since 1991.

"We're so excited to offer this service to the residents of Dawson County again this year," said Karen Armstrong, organization chairwoman. "The chipper event is an excellent way to help us keep Dawson County beautiful."

The trees will be chipped into mulch, which will be available free to Dawson County residents on a first-come, first-serve basis beginning Jan. 9.

The mulch will also be used for projects throughout the county, including playgrounds, public beautification efforts and wildlife habitats.

Undecorated trees can be dropped off at the county's transfer station and recycling center, located at 946 Burt Creek Road, during normal business hours through Jan. 12.

The transfer station and recycling center is the lone local tree drop-off site this season.

Trees are not being accepted at the local Home Depot this year.