Recycle Your Christmas Tree To Help Rebuild the Ortley Dunes

Toms River officials are asking residents who had a freshly cut Christmas Tree (NOT fake ones) this year for the holidays to not throw it out with the trash, but to please donate it to Ortley Beach to help rebuild the dunes along the beach

Officials explain:

The American Littoral Society, which coordinated the Island Beach State Park efforts, has said recycled Christmas trees are placed on their side, end to end in a shallow trench, and during the winter, sand gets blown over the trees and covers them. The trees then help hold the sand in place. Over time the trees will biodegrade, while the dunes continue to accumulate sand and grow.

You can drop off your Christmas tree between now and Feb. 1 at the Lord House lifeguard station, located between 3rd and 4th Avenues in Ortley Beach and placed inside the fence. Township personnel will place the trees on the beach. Please remove all ornaments and lights before you drop it off