The Pennsylvania Resources Council is partnering with the City of Pittsburgh, the Union Project, and Construction Junction to host a Christmas tree recycling drop-off on January 14.

Sponsored by Emery Tree Service, the event runs from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. and takes place at Construction Junction (214 N. Lexington Street, North Point Breeze section of Pittsburgh). Emery Tree Service will recycle the trees into mulch.

During the event, individuals are welcome to drop off their real Christmas trees for a $1 fee per tree. Monies collected help defray the cost of the collection. Christmas trees must be free of lights and loose or tied with a string when dropped off. Trees in plastic bags will not be accepted.

“Over the last two years, we collected an average of 315 a year,” PRC’s Ginette Walker Vinski said. “We expect the number of trees collected to increase this year, mostly, because we are partnering with the Union Project. We're hoping that by partnering together and sharing resources, we'll be able to bring in more trees than ever.”

Volunteers are needed to help unload trees from vehicles and to direct traffic in the parking lot. Everyone helping out can stay warm with cups of hot cocoa and other refreshments. They will also receive a coupon for one free hour of kayaking, courtesy of Kayak Pittsburgh. To volunteer, call Vinski at PRC at 412-488-7490.

For more information, visit the Christmas tree event webpage or the Pennsylvania Resources Council website.

12/16/2005