Chirstmas trees can be recycled at several state parks

The state Division of Parks and Recreation will be collecting Christmas trees to chip into mulch from Monday, Dec. 26 through Monday, Jan. 16. This is the 12th year that state parks have offered the service to conservation-minded Delawareans.


“We want to make people aware that once you have used organic material like a Christmas tree, it can be recycled instead of going into a landfill,” said Gary Focht, Killens Pond State Park administrator and statewide tree recycling program coordinator. “Our Christmas Tree Recycling Program is popular because it offers people an easy and environmentally sensitive way to dispose of their trees after the holidays.”


Last year approximately 5,400 holiday trees were diverted from landfills.


Bellevue, Brandywine Creek, Lums Pond, White Clay Creek, Killens Pond, Cape Henlopen and Trap Pond state parks will accept trees from individual families. They must be free of ornaments, tinsel, plastic bags, stands, etc. Because of the wire frames and tie downs, wreaths and artificial trees will not be accepted. Trees from commercial haulers or tree vendors also will not be accepted.


In addition to saving limited landfill space, recycled trees provide an aromatic ground cover that reduces soil erosion and deters weed growth. The mulch also is used by the parks to create compost for flower beds and gardens.


Bellevue and Lums Pond, which typically recycle the most Christmas trees, will make any extra mulch available to the public free of charge on a first-come, first-served basis. The park offices can provide information on availability of mulch after Jan. 16


Each park will have a marked drop off site. To help defray costs, donations of $2 per tree will be accepted.






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