Tree Recycling Program

Los Angeles officials want your used Christmas tree for recycling into wood chips for mulch or compost material as a means of saving landfill space and resources.

It takes nature nine years to do what composting can achieve in 90 days.

Trees will be collected at curbside from residents served by the city’s automated refuse-collection service. Collections will be made today and Saturday and then from next Monday to next Friday.

Trees also may be dropped off today and Saturday from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the following locations, where those who take part will receive two coupons for a four-quart bag of potting soil.

* Central Los Angeles--Rancho Cienega Sports Center, 5001 Rodeo Road.

* Encino--Balboa Sport Center, 17015 Burbank Blvd.

* Harbor City--Harbor Regional Park, 25700 Vermont Ave.

* Highland Park--Highland Park Senior Citizen Center, 6200 York Blvd.

* Hollywood--Hollywood Bowl, 2301 N. Highland Ave.

* Sunland--Sunland Park and Recreation Center, 8651 Foothill Blvd.

* Mar Vista--Mar Vista Park and Recreation Center, 11430 Woodbine St.

The Los Angeles County Department of Public Works has also organized a Christmas tree recycling program from 7 a.m. to 4 p.m. this weekend and the weekends of Jan. 11-12 and Jan. 18-19 at the following parks:

* Glendale--Crescenta Valley Park, 3901 Dunsmore Ave.

* Rowland Heights--Schabarum Regional Park, 17250 E. Colima Road.

* Pasadena--Eaton Canyon Nature Center, 1750 N. Altadena Drive.

* Quartz Hill--George Lane Park, 5520 W. Avenue L-8.

* San Dimas--Bonelli Park, 120 Via Verde, San Dimas

* Castaic--Castaic Lake Recreation Area, 32100 Ridge Route Road.

The Sanitation Districts of Los Angeles County, a local special district that runs landfills, has organized a countywide program with 44 cities participating. Call your city or the Sanitation Districts at (310) 699-7411 or (213) 685-5217 for more information.

Compiled by Times researcher Cecilia Rasmussen