City urges post holiday “tree-cycling”

    The Christmas tree recycling program begins January 9th and ends January 16th.

    The Philadelphia Streets Department has one last wish this holiday season. To start the new year off right they’re asking all Philadelphia residents to recycle their live Christmas trees at one of three locations where they will be shredded.

    The Christmas tree recycling program begins January 9th and ends January 16th. Deputy Streets Commissioner Carlton Williams says the dropoff program is more cost efficient than curbside pick-up, which was eliminated after budget cuts in 2004.

    Williams: It’s beneficial in terms of the drop off. But when you have to pick them up curbside than the cost escalates even higher because now your setting aside crews and people specifically to pickup trees.

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    The city saves about $30 dollars per ton when trees are dropped off for recycling instead of being put out on the curb.

    More information about the program and dropoff locations can be found on the city’s website.

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