Can shrubs and trees be recycled? Most cities will pick up the large brush that results from yard work. "Yes, very much so," says Gerry Acuna, the president of Tri Recycling Inc., who has been involved in...
"Yes, very much so," says Gerry Acuna, the president of Tri Recycling Inc., who has been involved in recycling for 12 years.
Many people only think of recycling their annual Christmas tree, but in fact, year-round there are services available to those who wish to dispose of all of their trees in a sustainable way.
Many people only think of recycling their annual Christmas tree, but in fact, year-round there are services available to those who wish to dispose of all of their trees in a sustainable way.
Representatives at the P.A.L. Foundation stress the importance of renewing these natural resources.
"By recycling trees, we allow other trees to continue to stand and give life, while the already trees can complete another life cycle. Furthermore, recycling means reducing consumption and reducing unnecessary waste. Recycling is a critical component to creating a sustainable planet."
The P.A.L. Foundation, based in California, is just one of the many nonprofit organizations in the United States dedicated to recycling trees.
In their Tree Recycling Yard, they create recycled wood products such as art, furniture and lumber, which are then sold to consumers. The money made from these sales goes back into environmental education and resource conservation.
"We transform [the trees] into interactive, educational artwork and environmentally friendly products, thereby allowing the trees to live again in their highest value and to become representatives of the planet, crusaders for environmental healing," reads a statement on the site. ?
If you have trouble locating a nonprofit group such as P.A.L. in your area, Acuna ensures there are other options.
"Most cities have what is called brushy yard waste and brushy collection. Basically that includes your yard trimmings and tree trimmings that can be recycled."
Check with your local waste management group to find out what they are able to accept and what their policies are for pickup and removal. Fees and pricing will vary.
If you participate in a local program that collects waste, they will typically recycle it for further environmental projects, so your contribution creates a win-win situation.
Acuna explains that in the brush removal process, "Most of it is ground down and composted."
The compost made from recycled trees and shrubs contain a wealth of uses including, but not limited to, landscaping, creating supplements for fuel and soil conditioning. Most city web pages will reveal exactly what your recycled products will be turned into (your best bet is usually the 'Frequently Asked Questions' portion of the site), but if it is not provided upfront, feel free to e-mail or call your local organization to learn more.
With the proper tools and equipment, you may decide to recycle your own trees and shrubs.
For instance, if you own a chainsaw you can create firewood from your old trees. If you have a shredder, you can make mulch, which is a fantastic addition to any garden. Around the holidays, branches and shrubs can be cut down and fashioned into decorations by adding ribbons and colorful accents to them. The possibilities are endless.
However you choose to renew your natural resources, just be sure to dispose of your substances in a responsible way. Trees and shrubs are among the most recyclable natural items because of their versatility.
