Nutley Christmas Trees to Restore the Shore

Just because the holiday season is over doesn’t mean Christmas trees have outlived their usefulness.

Nutley officials announced that trees collected in the township will be used to restore the Jersey shore by fortifying sand dunes in Bradley Beach. 

Nutley Public Works Commissioner Dr. Joseph Scarpelli and Parks Department Commissioner Mauro Tucci said that Christmas trees will be picked up curbside until Jan. 17, weather permitting and then begin their second life as beach support.

“We are excited to help our neighbors in Bradley Beach with their ongoing beach restoration project,” Commissioner Scarpelli said in an email. “Last year former Commissioner Sam Battaglia, who has a summer residence in Bradley Beach, put me in contact with DPW officials there and over the last year we worked with them to coordinate our efforts.”

Officials said the trees should be placed at curbside with the stands or nails, tinsel, ornaments, lights and any other decorations removed. Trees in plastic bags and artificial trees will not be taken.

“We estimate that almost 4000 trees were recycled last year and kept out of the solid waste stream,” said Commissioner Tucci.