Recycle Christmas trees

Dec. 23, 2009       Contacts: Gary Boze, PIO - 626-458-4094

                                                        Neonika Walker – 626-458-3509

 

Holiday Greening is Easy - Recycle your Christmas Tree

 

Between Thanksgiving to New Year’s Day, Americans throw away 25 percent more trash than during any other time of year.  This year, help reduce the trash load and take the work out of getting rid of your Christmas tree - recycle it! 

 

Starting December 26, 2009 through January 16, 2010, residents can recycle their Christmas trees by placing them at curbside on their regular collection day or taking them to a collection site. 

 

To enjoy the benefits of this special holiday recycling service, residents must remove all ornaments including tinsel, decorations, and metal and plastic tree stands from their trees before placing them at curbside or turning them in at a collection site.  Trees over six feet tall should be cut in half for easier collection. 

 

Residents who miss the curbside recycling dates can cut their trees into smaller pieces and place them in their green waste container.  The trees collected by residential waste haulers will be recycled into compost, mulch, or ground cover.  This helps preserve our natural resources and reduce waste too.

 

In addition to recycling their Christmas trees, residents can reduce the trash they create by following these simple tips:

 

• When shopping, remember to bring your reusable tote bags instead of accepting single-use bags.  Reusable tote bags can be easily folded to fit into purses and pockets until they’re ready for use.

 

• Skip paper wrapping completely and adorn presents with a simple bow that can be reused repeatedly.

 

• Set the table with linens and china instead of disposable plates, plastic cups, and plastic utensils.

 

• Use rechargeable batteries for electronic toys and other portable, battery-operated items.  When they’re finished, dispose of batteries by bringing them to one of the County’s household hazardous and electronic waste collection events.

 

For more information and city-specific Christmas tree recycling guidelines, please visit www.CleanLA.com or call 1(888) CLEAN LA.