According to a press release, NOVEC will be accepting both trees and greens without any decorations, ornaments, hooks, wires or light strings starting the day after Christmas. Drop-off will be available at its Gainesville Technical Center at 5399 Wellington Branch Road.
“Recycling holiday greens is just another way we help area residents and the environment,” Rick Carpenter, NOVEC Vegetation Management manager, said.
Vegetation Management will use the trees and greens to make mulch, which will reduce holiday landfill waste. According to an Environmental Protection Agency study, commercial waste increases by approximately 25% during the holiday season in comparison to the rest of the year. Between Thanksgiving and New Year’s Day, this may result in about 1 million extra tons of waste each week.
Drop-offs don’t have to take place during business hours. Greens can be dropped off in the parking lot demarcated with orange safety cones. For more information, contact the Vegetation Management department at 703-335-0500, ext. 1600, or [email protected].
