Wondering when to toss your Christmas tree?

Sanitation Commissioner John J. Doherty announced that the Department will
begin its annual Christmas tree curbside collection and recycling program
on Monday, January 5, 2009.  The program will run through Friday, January
16th.

Residents should remove all tree stands, tinsel, lights, and ornaments
from holiday trees before they are put out at curbside for removal.  Trees
must not be placed into plastic bags.  Clean, non-bagged Christmas trees
that are left at the curb between Monday, January 5th and Friday, January
16th will be collected, chipped, and made into compost. The compost will
be processed and subsequently spread upon parks, ball fields, and
community gardens throughout the city.

In January 2008, the Department collected over 160,000 discarded Christmas
trees.

"The Department is very pleased to offer this special recycling service.
Providing collection and recycling options for residents is
environmentally valuable and benefits our neighborhoods.  Working in
conjunction with the City’s Parks & Recreation Department allows residents
to take part in the recycling process and permits them to even reuse their
composted Christmas trees to fertilize for the spring.  Compost is a
natural fertilizer and is an excellent soil enrichment that promotes the
healthy growth of plants and grass," said Commissioner Doherty.

And you’re probably wondering when the Mulch Fest begins.

The Parks & Recreation Department will be hosting Mulchfest 2009 on
Saturday, January 10th and Sunday, January 11th from 10 A.M. to 2 P.M. at
more than 80 sites throughout the city.  To find citywide locations, visit
the Parks & Recreation website at www.nyc.gov/parks.  The citywide service
allows New Yorkers to drop off their holiday trees at designated parks for
mulching and event attendees can pick up free mulch.  All lights,
ornaments, and decorations must be removed from the trees prior to
drop-off.

For more information on Christmas tree collection and recycling and/or
Mulchfest 2009, visit <http://www.nyc.gov/sanitation> or
<http://www.nyc.gov/parks> or call 3-1-1.