It’s Almost Tree-cycling Time

OANA would like to share the following from the NYC Dept of sanitation.

It’s Almost Tree-cycling Time – “Best Smelling Collection Trucks in the City”

“Bare” Trees Only, Please – No Bags or Decorations!

The New York City Department of Sanitation has announced that Christmas tree collection will begin Thursday, January 6, 2022. Collection will run through Saturday, January 15, 2022, barring any delays that may be caused by snow events. As a reminder, Christmas trees are collected separately from trash and recycling, and patience is appreciated as pick-up may not occur immediately; trees are collected with other trees, and the Department scouts trees at the curb to make efficient routes.

Residents choosing to take advantage of curbside collection should remove all stands, tinsel, lights and ornaments before putting trees out for collection. Do NOT wrap trees in plastic bags. After collection, the Christmas trees will be chipped, mixed with leaves, and recycled into compost for the city’s parks, institutions and community gardens. The Department can collect more than 200,000 Christmas trees for ‘tree-cycling’ every year.

“Christmas trees provide us light and joy while inside our homes, and can live on, as wood chips mulch, after the holiday season comes to an end,” said Sanitation Commissioner Edward Grayson. We encourage all residents to give their real trees a second life – whether putting them at the curb for the Department to collect and contributing to the ‘best smelling collection trucks in the City,’ or taking advantage of Mulchfest at a local Park.”

Residents may also bring their trees to a Mulchfest site. NYC Parks Mulchfest 2022 will run from December 26 through January 9. New Yorkers will be able to drop off holiday trees at one of 73 sites—34 are chipping sites—across the five boroughs, including parks and GreenThumb gardens. The trees are then chipped and recycled, and the mulch is used to nourish city trees and plants in every corner of the city.

“Mulchfest is back, and we’re proud to partner with DSNY once again to offer New Yorkers the opportunity to recycle their holiday trees,” said NYC Parks Commissioner Gabrielle Fialkoff. “Mulch is used in parks, playgrounds, tree beds and greenspaces across the city, and is nourishing for the environment. Whether leaving clean trees on the curb, or dropping off at one of our 74 park locations, we urge all City residents to take part in the celebration and recycle their tree this holiday season!”

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.

For more information on Christmas tree collection and recycling or MulchFest, visit www.nyc.gov/dsny, www.nyc.gov/parks or call 311.

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