Recycled Christmas Trees to Aid Coastal Marshes
"Together, we can save thousands of trees from being thrown out to waste and also provide critical support to help preserve our wetlands," New Orleans Mayor Mitch Landrieu said.
The city of New Orleans will recycle residents' Christmas trees this year in an attempt to promote the restoration of Louisiana wetlands and protect the state's coastline. Mayor Mitch Landrieu announced the city's recycling program will continue this year, and there are three days -- Jan. 10, 11, and 12 -- when Orleans Parish residents can recycle their live trees by placing them at curbside on their regularly scheduled collection day.
"New Orleans is earning a great reputation as an eco-friendly city, and this service is one of the ways our citizens can help protect and restore our environment," Landrieu said last week. "Together, we can save thousands of trees from being thrown out to waste and also provide critical support to help preserve our wetlands."
All ornaments, tinsel, lights, and tree stands should be removed before the trees are placed at the curb for collection. Flocked and artificial trees will not be collected, and trees should not be placed in plastic bags. The city's Department of Sanitation, Office of Coastal and Environmental Affairs, and the Materials Management Group are making the collection possible. It is funded by the general fund budget of the Office of Coastal and Environmental Affairs at a cost of approximately $9,000.Residents needing more information should contact the Office of Coastal and Environmental Affairs at 504-658-4071.