North Hempstead Expands Tree and Plastic Recycling Programs, Saving 16 Tons from Landfills

The Town of North Hempstead continues to expand its recycling initiatives, with programs targeting Christmas trees and plastic shrink wrap showing significant environmental impact after three years of operation, according to Council Member Mariann Dalimonte.

Since launching in 2023, the town’s recycling programs have diverted over 16 tons of plastic from landfills, according to Dalimonte. The shrink wrap collection program will continue at Manor Haven Beach Park from April 1 through May 15 in 2026.

The town sends collected shrink wrap to Westbury Paper Stock Corporation at no cost to taxpayers, according to Dalimonte. The company transforms the materials into plastic lumber, carpet, and additional shrink wrap products.

This year’s Christmas tree collection yielded 277 trees between Christmas and January 21, according to Dalimonte. Bill Curtone, president of the Lakeville Estates Civic Association, reported that over 400 trees were collected in the 11040 zip code area of New Hyde Park.

“Programs like these show how creative thinking can solve problems, save our community money, and build a sustainable future,” Dalimonte said. “I really think that together, we can create a future that is fiscally responsible, environmentally sound and full of promise.”

The tree recycling program originated through collaboration between Dalimonte and Kenneth Pangbourne, a resident and law student who helped establish the initiative, according to Dalimonte. For three years, they personally collected trees, but this year expanded operations through a partnership with the Lakeville Estates Civic Association and waste collection company Jamaica Ash.

Pangbourne emphasized the cost-saving potential of converting recycled trees into mulch for town use. The program reduces expenses by eliminating the need to purchase commercial mulch and prevents cutting down additional trees for that purpose, according to Pangbourne.

“We have seen a big difference in trail quality. And the amount of trees that we’ve had has allowed us to put down multiple layers of mulch throughout the season,” Pangbourne said. “From the environmental standpoint, it’s keeping poison ivy from growing and reaching sunshine. But it’s also providing a buffer layer from that mud on the trails.”

The recycled mulch serves multiple functions in North Hempstead’s public spaces. Pangbourne noted that the mulch helps control poison ivy growth and maintains trail conditions in natural areas throughout the town.

May Newburger Cove received the most significant mulch application, according to Pangbourne. The area previously served as a dumping ground but has been revitalized with extensive trails that strengthen wildlife habitats and encourage community engagement with local nature, he said.

Residents can drop off trees at North Hempstead Beach Park and Tully Park in New Hyde Park, according to Dalimonte. The partnership with Jamaica Ash also enables curbside pickup service in New Hyde Park, according to Curtone.

“What makes the Mulchfest in North Hempstead different is that you drop your tree off when it’s convenient for you,” Dalimonte said. “From there, the Parks Department puts the trees through a mulch machine, and we use it in our parks.”

Curtone expressed support for expanding the program’s reach. “I will again advocate for an expansion of this program next year in the hopes that all trees will be recycled,” he said. “Thank you again to the town for allowing this program to exist and expand.”

The recycling initiatives demonstrate North Hempstead’s commitment to environmental sustainability while providing practical benefits to residents and reducing municipal costs through innovative waste management approaches.