Discarded Christmas trees will be accepted at Carrs-Safeway stores in Anchorage, Eagle River and Palmer starting today. Bring trees to the store parking lots and look for signs. Trees will be accepted through Jan. 15.
Only "live" trees -- real wood -- should be brought to the stores. The program does not accept artificial trees. Parties wishing to recycle artificial trees are advised to donate them to the Bishop's Attic, Value Village or the Salvation Army.
Also, do not bring wreaths, as the wire backing is too difficult to remove, and remove and recycle any ornaments, decorations, containers or plastic bagging material.
Those who can't bring trees to the parking lots can call Boy Scout Troop 268. The troop will pick up and recycle your tree for a small donation. Pickup is available in Anchorage and Eagle River, but Eagle River pickups are made on Saturdays only. Leave a message at 868-8899, send a text message to 229-2923, or email recyclechristmastrees@gci.net. Leave a first and last name, phone number and address, spelling out the street name.
Valley residents can also drop trees at the Mat Su Borough Central Landfill. Recyclers are asked to look for the barriers and signs designating "Christmas Tree Recycling" and to leave bare trees only behind the barriers.
The annual program sponsored by Alaskans for Litter Prevention and Recycling (ALPAR) and the Municipality of Anchorage Solid Waste Services expects to take in 10,000 trees this year. The trees will be turned into wood chips, which will be used on public trails and gardens and for erosion control.
Paper gift wrap and gift boxes can be recycled with mixed paper at the Anchorage or Valley recycling centers or in curbside recycling bins. Ribbons, however, are harder to recycle. Residents are advised to save them for reuse next year.
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