As part of a statewide effort to recycle and reuse Christmas trees, the City of Thomasville, in conjunction with Keep Thomas County Beautiful, will host the 2021 ‘Bring One for the Chipper’ Christmas tree recycling program on Saturday, January 9th. Citizens can bring their undecorated, live Christmas trees to the recycling center located in the 1200 block of Remington Avenue behind Fire Rescue Station Three, between 8:00 a.m. and 12:00 p.m.
“This event helps us to promote the importance of environmental conservation and sustainability,” said Jimmy Smith, Jr., Solid Waste and Landfill Superintendent. “Over the last 30 years ‘Bring One for the Chipper’ events across the state have helped to recycle over six million Christmas trees, creating mulch that has been used for playgrounds, local government beautification projects, and individual yards.”
According to Smith Jr., citizens wishing to recycle their trees before January 9th can still participate in the recycling program. “Our Solid Waste Department will accept trees at our recycling center during normal business hours beginning December 26th through January 9th,” said Smith. “We remind the community that our new business hours are weekdays from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. and Saturdays 8:00 a.m. to noon.”
Citizens are asked to take some important safety measures in order to properly dispose of their live trees. “It is important that all lights, wires, and decorations are removed from the trees before they are dropped off at the recycling center,” said Smith. “Additionally, for safety reasons, please be sure to not dispose of your tree in a ditch or curbside with your yard trimmings.”
“During the event, our Solid waste staff will be on-site to help unload trees from vehicles,” said Smith. “Our goal is to make it as easy as possible for our citizens to participate in this essential conservation effort that benefits our communities.”
For more information about the ‘Bring One for the Chipper’ event, please call the Solid Waste Department at 227-7092.