Getting rid of burned-out Christmas lights and bulky packaging is a little easier this year thanks to a collaboration between Port Coquitlam firefighters and local recycling businesses.
This weekend, Jan. 5 and 6 between 9 a.m. and 4 p.m., you can drop off your used Styrofoam, light strands and Christmas lights at the No. 1 firehall in Port Coquitlam. Drop-off is by donation, with proceeds going directly towards the BC Professional Fire Fighters Association Burn Fund.
The two participating companies are Happy Stan's Recycling, of PoCo, and Foam Only, a Coquitlam company that compresses Styrofoam brand foam for use in consumer products such as picture frames and door mouldings.
Jamie Kaminski, owner of Happy Stan's, a 20-year-old company that offers recycling services, office shredding and junk removal, said the holiday light and foam recycling program is timed to help people deal with their excess waste while contributing to a good cause.
It's taking place at the same time as the Port Coquitlam firefighters' annual tree chipping event, with $5 donations for each tree also going to the burn fund. Firefighters are donating their time for this event and the wood chips will be used in city parks and trails.
Kaminski said it's a great collaboration, and with the Port Coquitlam fire hall practically neighbours with the recycling business, an opportunity to make a difference in the community.
PoCo's No. 1 fire hall is located at 1725 Broadway St., roughly halfway between Kingsway Avenue and Mary Hill Bypass.
