For those whose New Year’s resolutions include leaving a greener footprint on the world, the Department of Environment Health is inviting the public to take advantage of its annual natural Christmas tree recycling program.
Each year, members of the public are encouraged to bring their natural trees to one of several drop-off locations so that the trees can be recycled to create free mulch. All ornaments and wires must be removed prior to drop-off.
This year, the deadline for dropping off trees is Thursday, Jan. 23, and the mulch will be available on Saturday, Jan. 25 from 8 a.m. at the George Town Cricket Field.
The program not only recycles the trees to create a useful by-product; it also keeps them from being added to the landfill, particularly in the wake of the recent blaze that kept the fire department busy for a full day in December 2013.
The Department of Environmental Health has been offering this service for more than a decade, and it has been very well received, particularly when the time comes for the free mulch to be distributed.
“The mulch is very popular,” said Tania Johnson, public education and promotions officer for the department, “so I would advise that people get there early and come prepared.
“They need to bring their own shovels, buckets and bags to collect it, as we are unable to provide containers.”
Ms Johnson said typically a cross-section of the community comes out to collect the mulch. “We’ve had people show up in previous years and basically back their truck up so they can start shoveling it in,” she said, “but we do tell them that they must have proper containers in order to remove it.”
She said the department has been happy to see the number of trees dropped off over the years, and the public’s involvement in the program.
“The DEH appreciates the support of the public for this recycling program,” she said, “as without people’s cooperation, we wouldn’t be able to offer the free mulch and keep the trees off the landfill.”
Drop-off locations are:
- West Bay: Ed Bush Stadium
- George Town: Cricket Field
- George Town: Landfill public drop-off area
- Savannah Newlands: Spotts dock
- Frank Sound: Entrance of Frank Sound Road
- East End: Front of George Dixon Park
The mulch will be available only at the George Town Cricket Field. For more information, email [email protected] or contact Tania Johnson at 743-5952.
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