Online map and list tool gives options for Mainers to send holiday trees to be mulched, chipped, composted
In order to promote sustainable options for disposal of trees following the holidays, ecomaine has published an online tool with solutions and locations for tree drop-off or collection.
“We wanted to come up with a way to stick to the solid waste hierarchy and keep more waste out of Maine landfills,” said Katrina Bussiere-Venhuizen, one of ecomaine’s Senior Environmental Educators, who established the tool. “A lot of times, trees are thrown away or burned, when they could be used again as wood chips or compost. We hope this tool is a win-win for residents and sustainability in Maine.”
The tool is focused on providing information about places in ecomaine’s more than 65 member communities for residents to bring their tree and ensure it is chipped, mulched, or composted – or, in a small number of instances, municipalities that offer curbside collection for trees.
“While this list is not comprehensive for the entire state, it is a good start to promote readily-available sustainable endings for a fairly common waste item at this time of year,” said Matt Grondin, ecomaine’s Communications Manager. “We welcome additions to the database, to continue to increase similar solutions for this year and years to come.”
The Sustainable Holiday Tree Disposal Map and List can be found here.
