Given our present economic and environmental concerns, recycling is the theme this holdiay season — from wrapping paper to regifting, and now, to Christmas trees.
The city of Santa Monica is asking residents to recycle their trees the week following Christmas throughout the entire month of January. Collection will take place at four local parks: Douglas Park (Chelsea Street and Wilshire Boulevard), Reed Park (Lincoln Boulevard and California Avenue), Los Amigos Park (Fifth Street and Hollister Avenue) and Clover Park (25th Street and Ocean Park Boulevard).
Residents may also take their trees to the city’s Refuse and Recycling Transfer Station, located at 2401 Delaware Ave. Remember to remove any tree stands and decorations such as tinsel, garlands and ornaments before disposal. If you have the curbside recycling service, you can also cut your tree up and place it in the green yard waste container for collection.
It is important to remember that leaving your trees sitting on the curb, or lying in the alleyways is illegal and a serious fire hazard, city officials said.
Once the festivities are over, make the extra effort to recycle trees at one of the above locations between Monday, Dec. 28, 2009 and Sunday, Jan. 31, 2010. The Recycling Center and Transfer Station hours are Monday through Saturday, 6 a.m. to 2 p.m. For more information call (310) 829-7323.