Recycle Christmas Trees, Cooking Grease in Johns Creek

JOHNS CREEK, GA -- If you're wondering how you will dispose of this year's Christmas tree as well as any fats, oils or grease sitting in your kitchen, then the city of Johns Creek has you covered.

Residents will be able to recycle Christmas trees as well as cooking FOGs and fluorescent bulbs at The Home Depot/Target parking lot on Saturday, Jan. 7.

The stores are located at 5950 State Bridge Road.

FOGs and fluorescent lights will be collected from 9 a.m. to noon, and trees will be recycled from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Of course, residents are reminded to remove any lights, tinsel and ornaments from the tree, and make sure your tree has not been flocked, or sprayed with fake snow made from artificial materials.

Some retailers use natural, corn-based flocking, which will be accepted at the event. As part of the statewide "Bring One for the Chipper" program, the recycling effort helps keep trees out of landfills. Additionally, the mulch can be used for playgrounds, public beautification projects, wildlife habitat and homeowner landscaping projects.

Mulch is available free to the public upon request by contacting Davey Tree Expert Co. at 770-451-7911, or by filling out the form here.

Fats, oils and grease from cooking should not be poured down sinks or drains, as they can clog pipes and cause backups in homes and neighborhoods.

Additionally, fluorescent tubes and curly compact fluorescent bulbs contain mercury, which lingers in the environment for years.

Keep Johns Creek Beautiful has special equipment that destroys the lights and stores the material and gases for recovery later by a certified fluorescent-light recycling firm.

The local event, sponsored by the city of Johns Creek and Keep Johns Creek Beautiful, is part of a statewide recycling effort by Keep Georgia Beautiful and the Georgia Department of Community Affairs.

For more information, visit Keep Johns Creek Beautiful’s website or call 770-551-7766.

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