Post Christmas Recycling Program Helps A Good Cause

The holiday season generates an extra million tons of waste every week in the United States, according to the Clean Air Council. Much of that is from leftover cardboard boxes.

A Tulsa company can help you get rid of the boxes and help a worthy cause all at the same time.

They came without ribbons; they came without tags; they came without packages, boxes, or bags. Actually, they did come with boxes and some styrofoam as well.

"First of all, let's give the earth a Christmas present and not put so much materials in the landfill," said Sherry Brunner of Harley Hollan.

Harley Hollan Companies has teamed with The MET, and the Tulsa Masters Recyclers Association for the 12 Days After Christmas. They're collecting cardboard and styrofoam leftover from Christmas gifts.

"Recycling is not only good for the environment, it also helps to prevent theft," Brunner said. "Instead of putting your empty packages out for curbside pickup, we make it as easy as: pulling up here, we help you unload your cardboard and Styrofoam, and then you're on your way."

Harley Hollan collects the items then processes them on site to be recycled. Last year the company collected 649 cubic yards of cardboard and styrofoam - that's 40,000 pounds of material that didn't go to a landfill.

Not only does the 12 Days After Christmas help free up space in a landfill, but every bit of money that Harley Hollan makes during this event is going to be donated to the Blue Star Mothers.

"We like to give back to the community," said Sherry Brunner of Harley Hollan.

We watched as several cars stopped by in the few hours we were there Monday morning.

"If this kind of service is available I want to go ahead and take advantage of it, so we've been here several times dropping things off," said Tulsa resident Joel Blake.

Blake says one reason he decided to bring his leftover boxes here was for safety. He's worried that would-be thieves will see what his family got for Christmas and decide to help themselves.

"Christmas boxes, don't like to put them out in the trash," he said. "We know about the recycling here and decided to do our part and drop them off."

You can drop of your cardboard boxes and styrofoam here at Harley Hollan until January 6th. They're open from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. on week days and 9 a.m. to noon on weekends.

Harlan Hollan is located at 5677 S. 107th East Avenue.

Find out more about the 12 Days After Christmas recycling program.