KTMB’s Christmas Tree Recycling starts Dec. 26

RE-POSTED ON BEHALF OF KEEP TRUCKEE MEADOWS BEAUTIFUL (KTMB)

Media contact: J Merriman, Communications Manager, jmerriman@ktmb.org, (775) 851-5185

Reno, Nevada. Dec. 16, 2014. A beautiful tree decked in garland, ornaments and twinkling lights is the centerpiece of many family celebrations this time of year. But what happens when the holidays are over and the ornaments packed away?

How cool would it be if those beautiful holiday centerpieces could make a lasting difference in the community instead of going in the landfill?

“We work with local municipalities and fire protection districts to turn Christmas trees into mulch,” said Jaime Souza, program manager for Keep Truckee Meadows Beautiful (KTMB). “Every year, more than 10,000 residents bring their trees to us, and we can turn them into a resource for soil- and fire-erosion projects in our community. It’s a great way to keep the holiday spirit working all year round.”

For the 24th year, KTMB’s Christmas Tree Recycling program will start the day after Christmas at three locations: Bartley Ranch Regional Park and Rancho San Rafael Regional Park in Reno, and Shadow Mountain Sports Complex in Sparks. Locations will be open 9 a.m.-4:30 p.m., Dec. 26, 2014-Jan. 11, 2015, and volunteers are still needed at all three locations. Groups or individuals who are interested in volunteering can sign up at ktmb.org/volunteer.

To recycle trees, residents just need to remove all decorations, lights and stands, and bring clean trees to one of the three drop-off locations. Flocked trees — trees decorated with fake snow — cannot be recycled.

“Because we rely on chippers from Washoe County, the City of Sparks and the Sierra and Truckee Meadows Fire Protection Districts, we have to be really careful that the trees we take are clean of all ornaments, stands – even tinsel — the smallest foreign matter can break or jam the chippers,” said Souza.

“So if your tree didn’t grow it, we can’t take it.”

A $3 donation is asked to cover the cost of the program, and every donation is matched dollar for dollar again this year by the NV Energy Foundation. Residents can also pick up free mulch at Bartley Ranch and Rancho San Rafael after the program is over. KTMB’s Christmas Tree Recycling program is open to residents only, and no commercial drop-offs will be accepted. Commercial tree lots are encouraged to contact RT Donovan (Sparks) or Full Circle Compost (Minden) for disposal of excess trees. Wreaths, garlands, tree clippings and other green or yard waste are also not accepted during this program. Residents can take green yard waste to RT Donovan or Full Circle Compost.

KTMB’s Christmas Tree Recycling is sponsored by NV Energy and is coordinated by Keep Truckee Meadows Beautiful in partnership with the cities of Reno and Sparks, Washoe County, Sierra and Truckee Meadows Fire Protection Districts, Barrick Gold Corporation, Intuit, REI, Truckee Meadows Water Authority, Waste Management, Allied Nevada Gold, IGT, the Reno Gazette-Journal, Signature Landscapes, Wells Fargo, Sun Valley General Improvement District, the Washoe County Health District, and numerous volunteer groups and individuals.

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Keep Truckee Meadows Beautiful is private nonprofit supported by community donations dedicated to creating a cleaner, more beautiful region through education and active community involvement. To find out how you can help, call 851.5185 or visit www.ktmb.org.