Burlington County Freeholder deputy director Leah Arter announced that the County will once again recycle Christmas trees and new this year, the county will recycle holiday lights, both free of charge.
Recycle strands of Christmas tree and outdoor holiday lights at the permanent computer and TV drop-off at the County’s Resource Recovery Complex. Please place strands of lights in clear bags or cardboard boxes when delivering them to the complex.
To be eligible for free tree disposal, residents or municipalities should bring the trees to the Resource Recovery Complex in Florence and Mansfield as a separate load — that is, not mixed with trash. No artificial or flocked trees can be accepted. All plastic bags, ropes, decorations, garland, tinsel, ornaments, lights, stands, wires and nails should be removed from the trees.
“This service increases local recycling rates and is a money saver for the towns,” Arter said. “Beyond that, we actually make good use of the recycled trees, by grinding them up, and using them as an amendment at the co-composing facility. Or to put it another way, ‘treecycling’ returns valuable nutrients back to the environment.”
Each town handles tree, brush and yard waste differently, so residents should contact their municipality to see if they offer curbside collection of Christmas trees for recycling.
The National Christmas Tree Association reports 25 million to 30 million live Christmas trees are sold in the U.S. every year and for every tree harvested up to 3 seedlings are planted in its place the following spring. Also, of the 350,000 acres in use for growing Christmas trees, each acre provides the daily oxygen required for 18 people, making them the “greener choice” compared to artificial trees.
For details on bringing in Christmas trees or lights for recycling call the Resource Recovery Complex Monday through Friday 7 a.m.-5 p.m. or Saturday 7 a.m.-2 p.m. at (609) 499–5300 or the County Recycling Office at (609) 499–1001.
