Press Release

Simi Valley, CA, December 12, 2008 - Christmas trees have a second life, thanks to Waste Management of Ventura County’s Christmas Tree Recycling Program. Waste Management will collect the trees during a two-week period, from December 26 to January 9 from Waste Management residential service customers.

The free service is part of a larger effort to minimize the amount of waste associated with the holidays. According to the National Christmas Tree Association, over 33 million real Christmas trees are sold in North America every year and Christmas tree recycling helps return a renewable resource back to the environment.

“Most people don’t realize that, as a nation, we generate about 5 million additional tons of trash during the holiday period between Thanksgiving and New Years Day, compared to any other time of the year,” said Mike Smith, Market Area General Manager for Waste Management of Ventura County. “Locally, recycled trees will have a second life as mulch for gardens and fuel for electricity.”

“In fact, every year, more than 40,000 tons of Christmas trees require handling at the end of the holiday season in California,” Smith added. “If you have a ‘real’ tree in your home, please use our service to recycle it after the holiday.

To ensure pick-up, all ornaments, stands, tinsel and lights must be removed and flocked trees will not be accepted. Residents can cut trees in half and place them in the greenwaste container or place the trees at curbside on the regular scheduled service day. In addition, the Simi Valley Landfill is offering free Christmas tree drop-off located at 2801 Madera Road from December 26th through January 16 Monday thru Saturday from 7 am to 4 pm.

As a reminder, trash and recycling services will be delayed one day due to the Christmas and New Year’s holiday. For example, if your regular service day is scheduled for Friday, then service will be on Saturday.

For additional information about our services, please contact customer service at (805) 522-9400 or visit www.KeepingVenturaCountyClean.com.

Waste Management provides Ventura County with recycling, trash hauling and solid waste disposal through G.I. Industries and the Simi Valley Landfill and Recycling Center. Waste Management has owned and operated G.I. Industries since 1998 and the SVLRC site since 1983 and employs more than 230 people in Ventura County. The SVLRC provides approximately 60% of Ventura County's daily refuse disposal needs. The company operates a “green power” program at the site that generates enough power for 2,500 homes, and clean-burning LNG powers 38 of its trucks. Waste Management is a significant contributor to area community groups. For more information visit our website www.keepingventuracountyclean.com.