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News Release
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

December 22, 2004

RECYCLE YOUR CHRISTMAS TREE THIS HOLIDAY
Recycled trees can become mulch, compost or wildlife habitat

Hear more about how to recycle your tree
ODNR spokeswoman, Andrea Misko
MPEG Quicktime Windows

Local Christmas Tree Recycling Programs
COUNTY CONTACT PHONE
Butler Sue Stephenson (513) 887-3972
Clark Megan DeWine (937) 328-4590
Clinton Jeff Walls (937) 382-6177
Cuyahoga
(City of Lakewood)
Barbara McGinty (216) 664-2110
Cuyahoga
(City of Cleveland)
Cassandra Moore (216) 644-2156
Defiance June Crosser (419) 782-5442
Delaware Jennifer Way-Young (740) 368-1700
Erie Tina Sevenbergen (419) 433-7303
Fairfield Chad Reed (740) 681-4423
Franklin Mike Mentel (614) 871-5100
Geauga Lisa Smith (330) 675-2673
Hamilton Holly Christmann (513) 946-7705
Hamilton
(City of Cincinnati)
Shirley Phillips (513) 352-4385
Hancock Courtney Comstock (419) 424-7210
Hardin Linda Wuethrich (419) 674-2216
Highland Dori Bishop (937) 393-4080
Knox Phil Samuel (740) 397-0311
Lake Chris Hodges (440) 350-2750
Licking Luellen Felumlee (740) 349-6553
Mahoning Harold Moore (330) 740-2060
Marion Don Zeisler (740) 223-4121
Miami Scott Pence (937) 440-3488
Montgomery Jack Gearing (937) 225-4999
Richland Ed Volz (419) 755-9803
Summit Yolanda Walker (330) 374-0383
Summit
(City of Akron)
Paula Davis (330) 375-2116
Trumbull Lisa Smith (330) 675-2673
Tuscarawas Jill Meyers (330) 365-3233
Wood Paulie Schaffer (419) 354-9297
COLUMBUS, OH - Before sending your live-cut Christmas tree to the trash, remember that it can find new life after the holidays. The Ohio Department of Natural Resources (ODNR) reminds Ohioans that their trees can be recycled into a variety of uses, including mulch, compost and wildlife habitat.

“Recycling a live-cut tree gives it a second life that can benefit Ohio’s environment and increase wildlife habitat,” said Ron Kolbash, chief of the ODNR Division of Recycling & Litter Prevention. “I am pleased to see that more and more communities are offering wise alternatives for these trees other than discarding them in our landfills.”

Many local park districts and communities shred Christmas trees for mulch and compost. Trees can even be transformed into wildlife habitat, providing shelter for some creatures during the winter months.

Individuals living in communities without recycling programs might consider chipping and composting their holiday trees. Adding compost to home gardens improves soil quality, stores moisture and reduces weeds. Using Christmas trees to create outdoor brush piles makes ideal homes for wildlife. Trees can also be weighted down and sunk in farm ponds to attract fish and increase habitat.

Before disposing of a live-cut Christmas tree, remember to remove all trimmings including tinsel, garland, lights and ornaments. Be sure you have proper permission before discarding your tree on public land, private land or in ponds. Discarding trees without permission could result in a litter violation.

A complete list of local Christmas tree recycling programs can be found above or by calling the local recycling and litter prevention office or solid waste district.

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For additional news online, check out the ODNR Press Room at Ohiodnr.com

For Further Information Contact:
Liz Everhard, ODNR Division of Recycling & Litter Prevention
(614) 265-6650
-or-
Andrea Misko, ODNR Media Relations
(614) 265-6882