The program helps keep waste out of the landfill while supporting MetroParks' conservation mission, said Tim Pritchard, sustainability coordinator for Five Rivers MetroParks.
This is an easy and green way for residents to get rid of and clean out old holiday lights, cords and other electric wire-based accessories, he said.
Cohen harvests the copper wire in these materials and sells it, he said.
Cohen donated $2,000 to the Five Rivers MetroParks Foundation, which was above the value of the materials collected, Pritchard said. The company plans to make a donation again this season based on the amount of lights collected.
Waste related to the holidays, including decorations, generate about 25 million additional tons of garbage, according to some estimates. The Ohio EPA says that people throw away about 25% more trash than normal during the holidays.
Holiday light collection will run from November to the end of January.
Drop off locations are at:
- 2nd Street Market, 600 E. Second St., Dayton
- Cox Arboretum MetroPark, 6733 Springboro Pike, Dayton
- Sugarcreek MetroPark, 4178 Conference Road, Bellbrook
- Possum Creek MetroPark, 4790 Frytown Road, Dayton
- Carriage Hill MetroPark, 7800 E. Shull Road, Dayton
- Wegerzyn Gardens MetroPark, 1301 E. Siebenthaler Ave.
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