In 2014 according to the National Christmas Tree Association, $1 billion was spent in the US to purchase 26.3 million real trees. Despite being a viable resource, many of these trees close out the holiday season in a landfill. With a little extra planning, however, trees are being given a second life through Treecycling.
Across the nation, Treecycling—recycling trees and greens for reuse—has been crafted to meet the needs of specific regions. In Louisiana, trees are used to combat coastal erosion; at the Oakland zoo, elephants who enjoy the sweet taste of evergreens dine on discarded trees; fisherman in Portland use woody trees to reinvigorate fish habitats; and in Philadelphia mulch has been used to beautify parks, schoolyards, senior centers, and vacant lots.
The Philadelphia Streets Department announced last week that their Residential Christmas Tree Recycling Program, now in its 27th year, will run this year from January 4-January 16. Trees may be dropped off at Sanitation Convenience Centers and collection sites throughout the city.