Part 2: How to Start a Christmas Tree Recycling Program

Part 2: How to Start a Christmas Tree Recycling Program

Organization and planning is key to getting your Christmas tree recycling program up and running. Use these steps as a launch pad for your project.

Recycling Options

Long before you collect your first tree, it helps to determine where your trees will be used.

Method #1: Chipping

Most community recycling programs rely on chipping, as this method tends to be simple, cost-efficient and the chips can be used in a variety of ways. For example, raw chips can be used as:

  • Landscaping and path cover for parks, school campuses and private residences
  • Ground cover in orchards and Christmas tree farms
  • Weed control around the bases of utility poles
  • Cover for playground areas
  • Landfill daily cover
  • Partial composting into mulch

Method #2: Using the Whole Tree

Whole Christmas trees can also be a valuable contribution to environmental programs that restore habitats:

  • Dune & Coastal Restoration
  • Rebuilding Wetlands
  • Wildlife Habitats
  • Fishing Spots

If you would like to use the whole tree for environmental projects, it is best to consult with local officials and environmental experts, such as agricultural extension personnel, forestry and wildlife officials or the agriculture department for your state or county.

Create a budget

Budgets for Christmas tree recycling programs vary greatly, depending on the scope of the program, community support and the number of people involved. Important considerations include:

  • Staff time and labor: Staff time includes all the preparations leading up to the program, the event itself and any follow-up.
  • Publicity: You will need to budget for all printed materials for your program, from flyers to correspondence, as well as the costs for time and materials needed for designers and printers. Any paid advertising factors into this category as well.
  • Collection: Your collection costs will vary depending on whether you are using a drop-off or curbside collection program. A curbside program is typically more expensive, as it requires trucks and labor.
  • Chipping equipment: You will need to budget for the rental or purchase of equipment if you do not have access to it. You will also need trained crew personnel to operate the equipment.
  • Transportation: Will you need to transport collected trees to a chipping location? Consider the staff time and the costs of the transportation itself.

Media: Creating a Buzz

When promoting your recycling program, be sure to emphasize the importance of Christmas tree recycling in your community. List your recycling program on every calendar you can find. Check with your local government or other organizations to see if they will list the program on their site as a community service. Do a quick search for additional recycling calendars or sites on Earth911, which lists recycling programs nationwide.

A community-based recycling program is often a great story with a local angle for media outlets. You can often find contact information on the news organization’s Web site. You may also consider working with a specific media outlet as a co-sponsorship for the program.

Many local newspapers or magazines print a “holiday guide” for use by readers, perhaps you can get your recycling program included. Christmas tree retailers and choose and cut farms can be a great resource if contacted before the selling season starts (typically Thanksgiving weekend). Ask to post signs or distribute flyers to their customers.

Recognition

Volunteers and partners become involved with recycling programs for a number of reasons – love for the environment, to help a worthwhile cause, to promote their company or organization and more. While recognition may not be the reason a person or business gets involved, it can be a key factor in future participation.