BAKERSFIELD, Calif.(KBAK/KBFX) — As the New Year begins, many families are looking to dispose of their natural Christmas trees.

Bakersfield Boy Scouts Troop 712 is helping the community recycle their Christmas trees. The troop has been doing this for over 30 years, collecting approximately 1,000 trees each year, according to their assistant scoutmaster. KBAK/KBFX

Bakersfield Boy Scouts Troop 712 is helping the community recycle their Christmas trees. The troop has been doing this for over 30 years, collecting approximately 1,000 trees each year, according to their assistant scoutmaster. KBAK/KBFX

In Bakersfield, Boy Scout Troop 712 is offering a convenient solution.

For a $15 donation, the troop will collect your tree and transport it to a recycling center.

Michael Dunn, assistant scoutmaster, explained, “We come by, pick up the tree, and we take it to one of the recycling centers around town.”

The funds raised support the scouts’ activities, including campouts and meetings.

Bakersfield Boy Scouts Troop 712 is helping the community recycle their Christmas trees. The troop has been doing this for over 30 years, collecting approximately 1,000 trees each year, according to their assistant scoutmaster. KBAK/KBFX

Bakersfield Boy Scouts Troop 712 is helping the community recycle their Christmas trees. The troop has been doing this for over 30 years, collecting approximately 1,000 trees each year, according to their assistant scoutmaster. KBAK/KBFX

The program, which collects about 1,000 trees annually, is one of the troop’s biggest fundraisers.

“All you have to do is call the phone number, call or text, provide us with your address, and a day that you want us to pick it up,” Dunn said.

The scouts, including Dunn’s son Mason and fellow scouts Giovanni and Noah, enjoy the camaraderie and community service.

Giovanni noted the community impact, saying, “I think a lot of people benefit from it because there’s a lot of times when people can’t really do it…. They’re supporting not just one person, but they’re benefiting a whole bunch of people.”

Bakersfield Boy Scouts Troop 712 is helping the community recycle their Christmas trees. The troop has been doing this for over 30 years, collecting approximately 1,000 trees each year, according to their assistant scoutmaster. KBAK/KBFX

Bakersfield Boy Scouts Troop 712 is helping the community recycle their Christmas trees. The troop has been doing this for over 30 years, collecting approximately 1,000 trees each year, according to their assistant scoutmaster. KBAK/KBFX

For those who prefer to drop off their trees, Kern County Public Works offers 22 locations for free disposal.

They request that all ornaments, lights, decorations, and any plastic or metal tree stands be removed before drop-off.

Both programs have about a week left.

For more information, contact Boy Scout Troop 712 by calling (661) 343 – 5160 or visit Kern County Public Works for their locations and hours.