COSTA MESA : Recycler Hired to Grind Christmas Trees

The City Council has hired a recycling firm for $6,000 to grind and mulch old Christmas trees that residents turn in after the New Year.

The job was awarded at Monday’s council meeting to Weedfree Organic’s of Pacoima. But resident Sid Soffer objected to the expenditure during the public hearing, saying it was a waste of money.

“Let me get this straight,” he said. “Private enterprise comes into town, sells trees, puts the profit in their pocket, then leaves it up to the city to recycle?”

Soffer suggested that the Christmas tree businesses, in the future, be held responsible for recycling the trees they sell.

“Why should it be our responsibility?” he said, referring to the taxpayers.

But William Morris, director of public services, said the city is required under state law to implement a waste reduction plan, and that recycling Christmas trees in the city helps to meet that requirement.

The recycling program will begin Jan. 2 and end Jan. 13. All trash haulers in the city have been asked to take part in the program and all residences and businesses may participate through their trash haulers.

The Orange County Fairgrounds will serve as the drop-off and grinding site.

For the past four years, the Costa Mesa Sanitary District and the city have sponsored the recycling program. Since 1990, more than 37,000 trees, or 500 tons, have been recycled, according to Morris.