DEP, DNR to collect Christmas trees Saturday for recycling - WTRF 7 News Sports Weather - Wheeling Steubenville

DEP, DNR to collect Christmas trees Saturday for recycling

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CHARLESTON -

The West Virginia Department of Environmental Protection and the state Division of Natural Resources will collect live Christmas trees for recycling from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Jan. 5 at Capitol Market in downtown Charleston.

Nearly 500 trees were collected during last year's recycling event. This is the ninth year for tree recycling, which is coordinated by the DEP's Rehabilitation Environmental Action Plan, or REAP.

The DNR takes the trees each year and puts them in lakes throughout the state to improve fish habitat.

Existing, rotting habitats are replaced each year by the newly recycled trees so new habitats can be created. According to the DEP, the trees provide hiding and feeding areas for fish and other aquatic creatures.

All decorations must be removed from the trees, including ornaments, tinsel and stands. Anyone who drops off a tree can enter a drawing to win ski packages at West Virginia resorts.