For the first time in its 11-year history, the City of Jacksonville and Keep Jacksonville Beautiful’s America Recycling Day event will feature both a shred activity and a tree giveaway in partnership with Greenscape of Jacksonville.

Following best practice ideas for COVID era events, the shredding drop off and the tree pickup will be staged on a drive thru course. The public must wear masks and remain in their vehicles. Masked volunteers will assist in removing paper for shredding and placing tree selections in vehicle trunks.

The community recycling collection event, a nationwide initiative by Keep America Beautiful, will be held from 9 am to 1 pm, Saturday, Nov. 14, in the parking lot of the Prime Osborn Convention Center, 1000 Water St. Last year, more than 4,000 pounds of paper was shred during the event. Long-time event sponsor Republic Services will provide free shredding services.

Greenscape will give away more than 2,000 free trees to residents on a first-come, first-serve basis during the four-hour event.  The tree giveaway is part of the annual Arbor Day celebration which was postponed because of Covid concerns.  The 3-gallon container trees being given away include the following species:

• Natchez Crape Myrtle (White)
• Tuscarora Crape Myrtle (Coral)
• Southern Magnolia
• Dahoon Holly
• Fringetree
• Red Maple
• Live Oak
• Bald Cypress
• Redbud

For more information about this event, call COJ Neighborhood Services Office at 255-8250 or Greenscape of Jacksonville at 398-5757.