For Immediate Release

CITY OF NEWARK TO COLLECT OLD CHRISTMAS TREES

STARTING ON JANUARY 9, 2012, THROUGH FEBRUARY 3, 2012

Dried-out trees are a fire hazard and should be recycled;

Remove electrical displays to protect them from weather damage

Newark, NJ R11; December 22, 2011 R11; Mayor Cory A. Booker, Department of Neighborhood and Recreational Services Director Tharien Karim Arnold, and Fire Director Fateen A. Ziyad reminded Newark residents today that the City will commence picking up discarded Christmas trees starting on Monday, January 9, 2012 through Friday, February 3, 2012. Residents discarding trees should also remove their holiday electrical displays. 

It’s that time of year again when we have to wrap up the December holiday season with the start of a New Year. Proper disposal of old Christmas Trees and storage of electrical decorations will not only support our city’s recycling programs but prevent unnecessary tragedies that can result from a fire,R21; Mayor Booker said. I urge all residents to be good neighbors by discarding old trees and maintaining their property.

Between 2005 and 2009, U.S. fire departments responded to an average of 240 home fires that started with Christmas trees per year. These fires caused an average of 13 deaths, 27 injuries, and $16.7 million in direct property damage annually, according to the National Fire Protection Association.

Director Ziyad said that residents should R20;Dispose of the tree when it begins dropping needles. Dried-out trees are a fire danger and should not be left in the home, in the garage, or placed outside against the home. Bring outdoor electrical lights inside after the holidays, to prevent hazards, and make them last longer. Electrical displays should also be inspected for frayed wiring and damaged bulbs.R21;

The Division of Recycling is requesting that all residents make an appointment for tree pick-up, by calling (973) 733-6685, Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.

Residents should take advantage of these pick-ups to have their trees removed so they can have a fresh start in the New Year, Director Arnold said.

For more information on trash and recycling pick-ups, please contact the Non-Emergency Call Center at (973) 733-4311.

-NEWARK-

Contact:          Newark Press Information Office: (973) 733-8004

E-mail: Pressoffice@ci.newark.nj.us

About the City of Newark, New Jersey

Newark, commonly referred to as Brick City, is the third oldest city in the United States and the largest in New Jersey, with a population of more than 280,000 people. Newark sits on one of the nationR17;s largest transportation super-structures including an international airport, major rail connections, major highway intersections and the busiest seaport on the east coast.

With a new Administration as of July 2006, Newark continues to see signs of a strong revival. In population, it is one of the fastest growing cities in the northeast. Its six major colleges and universities are further expanding their presence. The production of affordable housing has doubled, businesses are returning and crime is going down. There is still much work to be done but Newark is on its way to achieving its mission: to set a national standard for urban transformation.

For more information on the City of Newark, please visit our website at www.ci.newark.nj.us

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