2012 Philadelphia Tree-cycling

Just because you put your tree out with the recycling, doesn’t mean it that’s where it ends up. Make no mistake about it, trees put out curbside in Philadelphia end up in the landfill, and while natural trees are 100% biodegradable, it isn’t the best use of this nutrient rich natural resource. Don’t let all this crazy conifer has to offer go to waste, consider Tree-cycling your Christmas tree in the second weekend of the new year. This post is full of community resources to help make it as easy as possible to dispose of Christmas Trees responsibly. I’ve even created a handy interactive map of 2012 Philadelphia Tree-cycling locations to help you find the nearest (or most convenient) Treecycling spot!

Christmas trees are amazing resources for local green and sustainable practices

 
But you don’t have to take my word for it. The New York Times Green Blog posted an article about alternative uses for past-their-prime holiday greens in A Second Chance for Christmas Trees which covers sustainable practices for tree-tirement throughout the country. And a wide range of post-consumer uses for Christmas Trees are highlighted on the list of National Christmas Tree Association Recycling Programs which also produced the hilariously well written and incredibly informative 10 Biggest Myths about Christmas Trees which I for one thoroughly enjoyed. From mulch to vaccines, it’s amazing what something as simple as a Christmas Tree can do after the holidays!

When taking your tree to be recycled, make sure you send it out completely free of any decorations, wrapping, plastic or ties. Most local neighborhood run and organized treecyling efforts request a donation of $5 to offset costs of hauling or renting a wood chipper, which when you think about it is a total bargain considering the benefits your contribution will have on the environment and for your community as a whole. It’s also a good time to get to know your local community civic association and find out how you can get more involved in your community!

Saturday January 7th, 2012

Greenlimbs 2012 Tree-cycling Event in partnership with Queen Village Neighbors Association, Washington West Civic Association, Society Hill Civic Association, Bella Vista Neighborhood Association and South Street Headhouse District
Weccacoe Playground 400 block of Catherine 10am -1pm
Whole Foods Market 929 South Street 10am-4pm
Curbside pick up is available if reserved by January 4 at treecycling@greenlimbs.com

Passyunk Sq., E. Passyunk Crossing, Newbold Neighbors, and Lower Moyamensing Neighborhood Association Columbus Square Park 13th & Reed Streets 10am -4pm

NKCDC, Fishtown, ORCA, & Greensgrow Palmer Dog Depot E. Palmer St. on north side of Blair St. 9:30am-12:30pm BONUS electronics recycling drop-off location in partnership with eForce Ecycling. Check out the full list of accepted materials.

Northern Liberties Liberty Lands Park 3rd & Poplar 10am-4pm
Bartram’s Garden 54th & Lindbergh Blvd. 9:30am-12:30p
Marconi Plaza Broad & Oregon 1-4pm

UPDATE: UC Green and the University City District Clark Park 43rd and Chester 10am-4pm
Clark Park will also be running an ecycle program for all of your electronics & random junk.
This event was originally posted in error as taking place on Sunday, January 8th.
Please note that this event will be taking place on Saturday, January 7th

Sunday January 8th, 2012

Logan Square Neighbors the Boy Scouts parking lot 22nd & Winter 9:30am-12:30pm
Friends of Eastern State Penitentiary 22nd & Brown 1-4pm
Chestnut Hill Norwood Fontbonne School on Sunset Ave 9:30am-12:30pm
East Mt. Airy Neighbors Gabbie’s Garden on Chew Ave 1-4pm

Tuesday, January 3, 2012 through Saturday, January 14, 2012

Philadelphia 2012 Christmas Tree Recycling Program 8:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m., (any day but Sunday, you can bring your holiday greens to these designated Streets Department Sanitation Convenience Centers for responsible post-holiday Tree Recycling
  ❄   3033 South 63rd Street
  ❄   Domino Lane and Umbria Street
  ❄   State Road and Ashburner Street
For more information regarding Philadelphia’s Christmas Tree Recycling Program citizens may contact the Customer Affairs Unit at (215) 686-5560.

Super Sweet Interactive Map of 2012 Tree Recycling Locations

View 2012 Philadelphia Tree-cycling Locations in a larger map

Curbside Pickup Info

Don’t have a car, or are feeling daunted by the idea of hauling your own tree? No sweat. For a few extra bucks, these nice folks will come get your tree for you!

Bennett Compost is extending their (totally awesome) curbside compost pickup services to include tree transport on Friday January 6th for a totally reasonable $15 per tree. The deadline for requesting a pickup is this Thursday, January 5, 2012, First come first served. Send an email to info[at]bennettcompost[dot]com to organize a pickup or get more info about this or any of their door to door composting services, which are available all year long!

Greenlimbs 2012 Tree-cycling Curbside pick up is available on January 7th for an additional fee of $5 per wreath & $15 per tree and must be reserved by January 4 at treecycling@greenlimbs.com please include your name, address and place of purchase in your email.

Pedal Co-Op will be collecting Christmas trees on January 7th from residents located between 30th & 55th Streets for $10 per tree they will also take away any e-waste for recycling (contact them for ecycling rates). Please send an email to pedalcoop[at]gmail[dot]com to request a pick up or for more information about their services.

Both Cheltenham Township and Springfield Township will be offering curbside pick-up. So if you live outside the city limits, be sure to check your local municipal website for more info.

Did I miss anything? Or better yet, what do YOU do with your Christmas Tree after the holiday season has come and gone?