Area counties offer Christmas tree recycling

By JEFF STITT

jstitt@yourmvi.com

Don’t be so quick to put that Christmas tree out to the curb on garbage night.

Live Christmas tree recycling programs are being offered in Allegheny, Washington and Westmoreland counties.

The programs are being offered through the Allegheny County Parks Department, Westmoreland Cleanways and the Washington County Planning Commission.

In all cases, all lights, decorations, tinsel, bags, stands and any other items on the tree must be removed prior to the tree being dropped off.

Allegheny County

Allegheny County’s annual program begins today. Residents can drop off Christmas trees through Jan. 14 at all nine county parks from 8 a.m. until dusk.

Mon Valley residents can drop their tree off at the Alfalfa Shelter parking lot at Round Hill Park in Elizabeth Township or at the Chestnut Shelter parking lot at White Oak Park. A full list of drop-off locations is also available at www.alleghenycounty.us/parks/Christmas-tree-recycling-program.

During the 2019-20 program, approximately 3,500 trees were received and recycled, with the resulting mulch used for various purposes throughout the park system’s 12,000-plus acres, according to the parks department.

Washington County

The Washington County Planning Commission offers a tree recycling site at Mingo Park in Finleyville and Cross Creek Park in Avella.

Trees can be dropped off at the Shelter 1 parking lot at Mingo and the boat trailer parking lot at Cross Creek from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. Jan. 6 to 31.

For more information, contact the planning commission at 724-228-6811.

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