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NEWS RELEASE

December 17, 2007

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“Merry Mulch” Program Allows County Residents to Recycle Christmas Trees at Parks, Garden Centers and the Landfill

ELLICOTT CITY, MD – Howard County Government wants residents to know that with the Christmas holidays just around the corner, a variety of Christmas tree recycling options are being offered this year through its “Merry Mulch” program. Since its inception in 1993, the “Merry Mulch” Christmas Tree Recycling Program has kept thousands of trees out of the landfill, helping save money and the environment. All recycled trees will be delivered to the composting site at the Alpha Ridge Landfill and transformed into compost and mulch.

Beginning January 2 and continuing through January 21, Christmas trees may be recycled seven days a week, 7:30 a.m. to 5 p.m., at the drop-off sites listed below, with the exception of the Alpha Ridge Landfill which is open Monday through Saturday from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Clarksville:
Kendall Hardware, 12260 Rt. 108
River Hill Garden Center, 12165 Rt. 108

Columbia:
Cedar Lane Park, 5081 Cedar Lane
Grandfather’s Garden Center, 5320 Phelps Luck Drive (East of Rt. 29, near Rt. 108)

Elkridge: Rockburn Park, 5400 Landing Road

Ellicott City: Small Circuit Court parking lot on upper Courthouse Drive (just past Ellicott Mills Drive on the right-hand side)

Highland: Schooley Mill Park, 12975 Hall Shop Road

Marriottsville:Alpha Ridge Landfill Composting Site, 2350 Marriottsville Road

Savage: Savage Park, 8400 Fair Street

Woodbine: Western Regional Park, 14800 Carrs Mill Road

Eastern county residents with yard trimming collection services can set their Christmas trees out on their regular curbside recycling collection days between January 2 and 21. The height limit for trees that may be set along the curb is four feet tall. Trees taller than this must be cut to four feet to go out at curbside. All decorations, including lights, and tree stands must be removed. Flocked trees, ones with fake snow sprayed on them, may not be recycled. Christmas trees and all other recyclables should be placed out for collection the night before or by 6 a.m. on collection day.

In addition, after January 21 when the sites listed above have stopped accepting Christmas trees and curbside tree collection is no longer an option, residents can still bring their Christmas trees to the Alpha Ridge Landfill, Monday through Saturday from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.