A Greener Christmas Postscript in Westmoreland County As the festive season wraps up, Westmoreland County embarks on an environmental mission, turning holiday cheer into sustainable action. Spearheaded by Westmoreland Cleanways and Recycling, residents are encouraged to participate in the Christmas tree recycling program, aptly named “Tree-cycling.” This initiative offers a practical and eco-friendly solution for disposing of live Christmas trees.
Turning Trees into Treasure In contrast to the traditional disposal methods, where trees end up occupying valuable space in landfills, this program offers a more environmentally conscious alternative. Trees collected at various drop-off sites across the county are transformed into mulch, beautifying community parks and enriching soil. This cycle of reuse not only prevents landfill crowding but also contributes to soil health, showcasing a remarkable example of nature’s circular economy.
No-Cost Recycling with a Philanthropic Twist Remarkably, this tree recycling service is offered free of charge. However, in the spirit of the season, the Murrysville-Export Rotary Club seizes the opportunity to collect donations at their site, channeling these funds into community projects. This dual benefit of environmental protection and community support underscores the program’s comprehensive approach to local welfare.
A Simple, Yet Vital Request Participants are reminded to ensure their trees are completely devoid of decorations, lights, or any transportation materials like tree bags. This small yet significant step is crucial to ensure the smooth processing of the trees into mulch.
Community and Corporate Synergy The success of this initiative is a testament to the collaborative efforts of various sponsors, including local businesses like James A. Rutter Company and municipal entities such as Penn Township and the Borough of Youngwood. This synergy between the community and corporations underscores a shared commitment to environmental stewardship.
A Call to Action from Mike Skapura Mike Skapura, Executive Director of Westmoreland Cleanways and Recycling, eloquently emphasizes the program’s essence: “Christmas trees are a time-honored tradition and a beautiful addition to holiday decor. Don’t let their beauty end in a landfill. Christmas is a time for giving, and when the season ends, give back to our earth. Take your Christmas tree to any of the Tree-cycling drop-off locations around the County and let your tree’s beauty go full circle by giving it back to the earth.”
About Westmoreland Cleanways and Recycling Westmoreland Cleanways and Recycling, a non-profit 501(c)(3) organization, dedicates itself to preserving the environmental integrity of the county. Through a variety of programs, including recycling centers for hard-to-dispose materials, household hazardous waste collections, and educational initiatives, the organization plays a pivotal role in fostering a culture of environmental responsibility in Westmoreland County.
