Press Releases

New York City Department of Parks & Recreation Commissioner Adrian Benepe and Department of Sanitation Commissioner John J. Doherty today announced that 127,719 holiday trees were recycled by the City this year. On January 3 and January 10, designated parks across all 5 boroughs served as drop-off sites for MulchFest 2004, where 25,719 trees were recycled, compared to 10,401 trees in 2003. The Department of Sanitation collected holiday trees at curbside between January 5 and January 10 and 102,000 trees were recycled as a result. This year, MulchFest was expanded, increasing the drop-off locations from 40 to 69. Thirty of the sites had chippers and New Yorkers were able to take away woodchips for their own gardens or plantings.

“This year New Yorkers made a New Year’s resolution to recycle their holiday trees and an astounding number of trees were recycled as a part of MulchFest 2004,” said Commissioner Benepe. “This is a tribute to New Yorkers who recognize the importance of recycling and protecting our urban environment.”

“I am pleased that the Department of Sanitation was able to assist the Parks Department in their annual MulchFest event,” said Commissioner Doherty. “The mulch that was created by chipping holiday trees will be recycled and reused for community gardens and parks. It is a plus for the environment and a source of beautification for the City. We at Sanitation look forward to helping the Parks Department next year with this valuable service for all our communities.”

Tree recycling creates woodchip mulch that moderates soil temperatures, helps retain moisture, prevents compaction, prevents salt shock and deters weed growth, while slowly adding nutrients to the soil. Wood chips may be used to line street tree pits and flowerbeds in parks. Wood chips may also be used in homes and gardens to enrich soil and control weeds.

MulchFest 2004 partners included Lewis Tree Service, Bronx River Alliance, Lower East Side Ecology Center, Cobble Hill Tree Trust, Prospect Park Alliance, and the Central Park Conservancy.

Recycling totals by borough:
 In Manhattan, there were 35 MulchFest sites and 16,184 trees were dropped off and 40,000 were collected curbside for recycling.
 In Brooklyn, there were 11 MulchFest sites and 5,809 trees were dropped off and 17,000 were collected curbside for recycling.
 In Queens, there were 9 MulchFest sites and 2,951 trees were dropped off and 20,000 were collected curbside for recycling.
 In Staten Island, there were 9 MulchFest sites and 466 trees were dropped off and 14,000 were collected curbside for recycling.
 In the Bronx, there were 5 MulchFest sites and 309 trees were dropped off and 11,000 were collected curbside for recycling.

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