To safely and responsibly dispose of your Christmas trees, look no further than the Cochrane Eco Centre.
Trees can be dropped off at the Eco Centre until Jan. 18 into the cages labeled “Tree Trimming and Branches,” which are located on the north end of the facility. The recycling depot’s hours of operation are 8 a.m. to 6 p.m., Wednesday through Sunday.
Upon leaving the facility, the trees will be mulched by Recycling Worx Solutions Inc. before being used for landscaping or as an additive for compost.
“It is important to give your Christmas tree a second life by recycling it instead of land-filling it or burning it,” said Sharon Howland, waste and recycling manager at the Town of Cochrane.
Tossing your tree into a landfill will eventually produce methane, as the tree remains buried for many years before it decomposes, she added. As far as burning goes, the smoky gas emissions impact air quality and climate change, she continued.
And once they’ve taken down the last ornament, residents of Rocky View County will also have the option to recycle their holiday trees.
As added encouragement, those who recycle their trees will receive a voucher for a native tree seedling from Bow Point Nursery or Branched Out Nursery.
Transfer sites in Bragg Creek, Irricana and Langdon will accept trees and handout the free vouchers.
Trees can be dropped off at other county-partner transfer sites, but residents will need to contact the County to get the seedling coupon.
RVC waste and recycling advisor Joanne Walroth said the County transfer sites will be shipping the trees off towards the end of January. She recommended county residents contact partner sites to see how long they will be accepting trees for recycling.
More information can be found at rockyview.ca.
Before you recycle your tree, please make sure it is free of all non-plant materials.
