Philadelphia's Christmas Tree Recycling Program began Monday and runs through next Saturday.
The Streets Department described the program, in its 22d year, as an environmentally safe alternative for the disposal of used trees.
In addition to the Shawmont location, the trees can be dropped off at convenience centers at 3033 S. 63d St. in Elmwood, and at State Road and Ashburner Street in Holmesburg.
Officials note that Christmas trees add a seasonal burden to the city's waste stream. Recycling (the trees are shredded) helps reduce the number that end up in landfills.
June Cantor, a spokeswoman for the Streets Department, said that last year, 650 trees were brought to recycling centers. She said about the same number was expected to be collected this year.
"We got between 60 and 70 trees today," said Jeffrey West, a yard attendant at the convenience center in Shawmont. "By this evening, we might get 100 to 150."
West said the busiest days for tree recycling were Mondays, Fridays, and Saturdays.
The Streets Department said residents can leave trees at curbside, but those trees will be collected as rubbish on scheduled trash days and would not be recycled.
For recycling, the trees brought to centers should be untied and free of all decorations. The trees should not be in plastic bags. Vendors must make private arrangements for disposal of trees.
Contact staff writer Vernon Clark at 215-854-5717 or vclark@phillynews.com.
