For the fifth year in a row, Rocky View County is offering an exchange program for people recycling their Christmas tree.
The Christmas tree exchange program gives residents a free coupon for a native tree seedling to plant in the spring when they recycle their natural Christmas tree.
“Greenhouse gas emissions can be reduced by as much as 90 kilograms by planting one tree,” said Joanne Walroth, solid waste and recycling officer for the County, in a prepared statement. “Recycling your tree is a great way to reduce your carbon footprint,” she added.
The program was inspired by Alberta Environment’s program, One Simple Act, which encourages individuals, employers and communities to lead more environmentally friendly lifestyles.
The exchange program mulches and composts the old Christmas tree, reducing waste going into the landfill. The new seedlings planted in the spring are meant to replace the trees cut down during the holiday season.
To receive a coupon for a seedling, residents need to bring their tree to County transfer sites. The Bragg Creek Transfer site and Langdon Transfer site will accept trees Dec. 22 to Jan. 19 while the Irricana Transfer site will accept them year-round.
County residents can drop off trees at partner locations but to receive a coupon, contact the County at [email protected] or phone 403-520-7286.
Partner locations and dates include:
• Crossfield Transfer Site: year-round
• Airdrie Recycle Depot (eastside Recycling Depot): Dec. 19 to Jan. 27
• Cochrane Eco Centre (Recycling Depot): year-round
• Bow Point Nursery north of Springbank Road on Range Rd 32: Dec. 22 to Jan. 19
• Branched Out Nursery on 41078 Big Hill Springs Road: Dec. 22 to Jan. 19
• Coupons are available until Jan. 19.
“The program is possible thanks to great partners like Bow Point Nursery and branched Out Nursery who provide the seedling coupons to make it a success,” said Walroth.
