Christmas Tree-cycling
OANA Admin OANA would like to share the following from the NYC Dept of sanitation.
“Best Smelling Collection Trucks in the City” – It’s Time for Christmas “Tree-cycling”
Using Curbside Collection? – Please, “Naked” Trees Only – No Bags or Decorations!
The New York City Department of Sanitation has announced its annual curbside collection of Christmas trees! Residents should put trees out curbside for collection starting Monday, January 4, 2021. Collection runs through Friday, January 15, weather permitting. As a reminder, Christmas trees are collected in separate tree trucks, so residents will see their trash, recycling and trees collected at different times on different trucks.
Residents should remove all stands, tinsel, lights, ornaments and bags before putting trees out for collection. Patience is appreciated after placing the tree curbside, as collection may not occur immediately; trees are collected together, with other trees, and the Department scouts trees at the curb to make efficient routes.
After pick up, the Christmas trees will be chipped, mixed with leaves, and recycled into compost for the city’s parks, institutions and community gardens.
Those needing to get rid of mostly plastic and metal artificial Christmas trees should consider selling or donating them. Donation opportunities may be found at nyc.gov/donate. Otherwise, if possible, take apart your tree to recycle the base and trunk (pole) with metal, glass, plastic and cartons. Remove all lights, ornaments and tinsel before placing at the curb.
The Department of Sanitation can collect more than 200,000 Christmas trees for “tree-cycling” every year.
Residents may also bring their trees to a Mulchfest site. NYC Parks runs Mulchfest 2021, which will run from December 26 through January 9. With 67 total drop-off sites—33 are chipping sites—across the five boroughs, including parks and GreenThumb gardens, New Yorkers will be able drop off holiday trees which are then chipped and recycled. The mulch is used to nourish city trees and plants making NYC even greener. Following last year’s success, Parks is once again inviting New Yorkers to actively mulch their holiday trees on two consecutive Saturdays – January 2 and 9. Residents that bring their tree and a bag to a chipping site can watch their tree being chipped and bring their own nutrient-rich mulch home with them.
For more information on Christmas tree collection and recycling or MulchFest, visit www.nyc.gov/dsny, www.
About the New York City Department of Sanitation
The Department of Sanitation (DSNY) keeps New York City healthy, safe and clean by collecting, recycling and disposing of waste, cleaning streets and vacant lots, and clearing snow and ice. The Department operates 59 district garages and manages a fleet of more than 2,000 rear-loading collection trucks, 450 mechanical brooms and 705 salt spreaders. The Department clears litter, snow and ice from approximately 6,500 miles of City streets and removes debris from vacant lots as well as abandoned vehicles from City streets.
Chipping trees at MulchFest in Astoria Park; photo credit Clare Doyle
