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News Release
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

December 21, 2005

ODNR ENCOURAGES OHIOANS TO RECYCLE THEIR CHRISTMAS TREES

County Contact Phone
Butler Jena Lintz (513) 887-3653
Clinton Jeff Walls (937) 382-6177
Cuyahoga
City of Cleveland
Cassandra Moore (216) 664-2156
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 Solid Waste Authority of Central Ohio (614) 871-5100
Geauga Lisa Smith (330) 675-2673
Hamilton Yard Waste & Recycling Hotline (513) 946-7755
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
Lake Chris Hodges (440) 350-2750
Lawrence/Scioto Chuck Yaniko (740) 532-1231
Mahoning Kim Lewis (330) 740-2060
Marion Angela Carbetta (740) 223-4120
Miami Scott Pence (937) 440-3488
Richland City of Mansfield (419) 755-9803
Richland Richland County
Solid Waste
(419) 774-5861
Summit Metro Parks, Serving Summit County (330) 867-5511
Trumbull Lisa Smith (330) 675-2673
Tuscarawas Jill Meyers (330) 365-3233
Wood Wood County
Solid Waste District
(419) 354-9297
COLUMBUS, OH - Live-cut Christmas trees don’t have to go out with the trash, instead they can take on a second life after the holidays when used as habitat for wildlife, or recycled as mulch and compost, according to the Ohio Department of Natural Resources (ODNR).

Recycling a live-cut tree is a wise alternative to having them thrown into landfills, and benefits Ohio’s environment. 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.

“Landowners can use their Christmas trees to build brush piles for wildlife habitat, providing cover for Ohio's native mammals, birds, amphibians and reptiles,” said Dave Swanson, forest wildlife biologist with the ODNR Division of Wildlife. “Brush piles are very effective near field borders, as well as undeveloped areas in suburban yards. Trees can also be weighted down and sunk in farm ponds to attract fish and increase habitat.”

Good sense should be used when transforming a Christmas tree into a wildlife habitat. Trees should not simply be tossed outdoors or into a public area. Receive permission from property owners before discarding the tree on private or public land or in ponds.

Individuals living in communities without recycling programs also might consider chipping and composting their holiday trees. Adding compost to home gardens improves soil quality, stores moisture and reduces weeds.

Before disposing of a live-cut Christmas tree, remember to remove all trimmings including tinsel, garland, lights and ornaments. For more information about Christmas tree recycling visit ohiodnr.com or call your 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:
Andrea M. Strle, ODNR Media Relations
(614) 265-6882