By 1808Delaware
As the holiday season draws to a close, Highbanks Metro Park is offering an eco-friendly way to dispose of your live Christmas tree. From December 30 through January 10, residents can drop off their trees at the park’s Northern Reservable Area, located at 9466 Columbus Pike (US 23 N) in Lewis Center, Ohio, between 8:00 AM and 6:00 PM each day.
This annual recycling program ensures that Christmas trees are repurposed as mulch, benefiting both the environment and the local community. The mulch will be used in the park’s Natural Play Area and throughout the grounds, helping maintain Highbanks’ scenic landscapes.
How to Participate
Bringing your tree to Highbanks Metro Park is easy. Simply ensure the tree is completely bare—free of lights, tinsel, ornaments, or any other decorations. The park emphasizes that no commercial dumping is allowed, making this program strictly for individual households.
Why Recycle Your Christmas Tree?
Recycling live Christmas trees offers numerous benefits, from reducing waste to supporting wildlife habitats. Here’s why you should consider participating:
Environmental Impact
- Landfill Reduction: Trees left in landfills decompose and emit methane, a potent greenhouse gas. Recycling prevents this waste and allows trees to be repurposed into useful materials like mulch.
- Biodegradability: Unlike artificial trees, real Christmas trees are biodegradable, breaking down naturally to enrich the environment.
Ecological Benefits
- Soil Enrichment: Mulch created from recycled trees adds essential nutrients to soil, helps retain moisture, and reduces weed growth.
- Erosion Control: Recycled trees can stabilize soil along riverbanks and shorelines, preventing erosion and protecting natural habitats.
- Wildlife Support: Trees can be placed in ponds to create fish habitats or used as bird feeders, providing shelter and sustenance for wildlife.
Community Advantages
- Parks and Playgrounds: Mulch from recycled trees is often used in public spaces like parks and hiking trails, beautifying areas for everyone to enjoy.
- Coastal Restoration: Some regions repurpose trees to restore coastal areas, creating natural barriers that protect against erosion and flooding.
A Sustainable Holiday Tradition
Recycling Christmas trees is part of a larger commitment to sustainability. Many tree farms operate on renewable cycles, planting one to three seedlings for every tree harvested. By recycling, the life cycle of your tree extends in an eco-friendly way, contributing to local ecosystems and community projects.
For those unable to visit Highbanks Metro Park, many communities offer additional ways to recycle. Curbside pickup and drop-off programs are common after the holidays, making it easier than ever to ensure your tree is disposed of responsibly.
Make a Difference This Holiday Season
The Highbanks Metro Park Christmas tree recycling program is a great way to reduce waste, support environmental sustainability, and contribute to the beauty of local parks. By participating, you’re helping to ensure that this season’s holiday cheer leaves a positive impact for years to come.
