Lee County began the horticulture processing and recycling operation in August 2003. The vegetative waste processing operation provides a means for managing yard waste in a manner that reduces disposal. The operations is located on a five-acre asphalt area providing all-weather access.

Lee County directs incoming trucks to the designated area to unload, segregate the yard waste and non-processible materials, and maintain the unprocessed and processed yard waste stockpiles.

A contractor is used to grind the yard waste to meet certain size specifications, and Lee County staff hauls the mulch for use in their compost operations. Additional mulch is delivered to five sites throughout Lee County for free use by residents. ​