An estimated 1,500 Christmas trees were kept out of landfills and rural ditches after the holiday season by Bring One in for the Chipper, according to organizer Sara Swida.

The head of Keep Liberty Beautiful, volunteers and representatives of businesses and agencies that supported the effort were in the in the parking lot of the Liberty County Health Department Saturday, as Asplundh, Georgia Power and Fort Stewart’s Environmental Services workers ground up the trees into mulch. Others involved included the Georgia Forestry Commission, 4-H and Brewers Christmas Tree Farm.

"It's a real community effort," Swida said.

Residents could also leave trees at convenience centers around the county. Some of the trees were dumped into ponds for fish habitat.