Summerlin encourages residents to recycle Christmas trees

After all of the presents have been opened, Summerlin is asking residents to give one more holiday gift. In partnership with Springs Preserve and the UNLV Rebel Recycling Program, the annual Christmas Tree Recycling Program returns, starting today through Jan. 15. In the tradition of re-gifting, residents of the master-planned community can give back their real Christmas trees to Mother Nature.

"Summerlin's participation in this program is a natural fit for our community's ongoing efforts to create sustainable neighborhoods," said Tom Warden, senior vice president, Summerlin. "The Howard Hughes Corp., developer of Summerlin, has long partnered with leading environmental and conservation groups working to maintain the beauty of our natural desert landscape for decades. Encouraging our residents to be friends to the environment is part of the lifestyle here."

Through Jan. 15, Summerlin residents can drop off their real Christmas trees at the lot adjacent RC Willey Home Furnishings, 3850 S. Town Center Drive, south of the 215 Beltway in Summerlin.

Those who live in Summerlin's northern villages may opt for a drop point just outside of the master-planned community, at nearby Bruce Trent Park on Vegas Drive. Those in The Mesa village may opt for the Lowe's location on South Fort Apache Road, also near Summerlin.

All three locations are open 24 hours. Valleywide, there are 33 locations accepting trees through Jan. 15. There is no cost to drop off trees but all nonorganic objects such as lights, wire, tinsel, ornaments and nails must be removed before dropping off trees. Artificial trees and real trees flocked with decorative chemical compounds cannot be recycled.

"These trees will be chipped into organic mulch and used in public gardens and parks across the valley to help conserve soil moisture and keep plants healthy. Giving back to Mother Nature is the perfect way to start off the new year," Warden said.

Residents who need trees picked up for recycling can call 1-800-GOT-JUNK or schedule pickup online at 1800GOTJUNK.com. The company will pick up trees for a fee and drop them off at designated recycling locations throughout the valley.

Las Vegas Valley residents have recycled 176,000 trees since the program started counting trees in 2001, creating more than 1,500 tons of mulch. Last winter alone, almost 16,000 trees were recycled, chipped and turned into a mountain of nutrient-rich mulch used for landscaping projects and dust control.

For more information about the Christmas Tree Recycling Program, visit www.springspreserve.org.