Garden State Times

The New Jersey Senate has approved legislation sponsored by Senator Doug Steinhardt that aims to bring back a beloved post-Christmas tradition for New Jersey communities. The bill, introduced by Steinhardt, seeks to restore the practice of Christmas tree bonfires across the state, which was halted due to regulations.

Senator Doug Steinhardt expressed his optimism about the progress of the legislation, stating, "With today's Senate vote advancing my legislation, municipalities may soon be able to restore the tradition of Christmas tree bonfires throughout the state. The open burning of Christmas trees was a popular post-Christmas tradition before the events were shut down due to overregulation."

Highlighting the significance of these events, Steinhardt emphasized, "Annual Christmas tree bonfires were an economic driver for participating municipalities, who often used these events to fundraise for local causes and organizations. This legislation would end the prohibition of municipal Christmas tree bonfires and allow communities to re-ignite this custom."

The tradition of burning Christmas trees in communal bonfires was a longstanding practice in certain municipalities, serving as a means to bring residents together and raise funds for community initiatives. However, the Department of Environmental Protection's ban on burning trees at these events led to disappointment among residents, prompting the use of wooden pallets as an alternative.

Steinhardt's bill, S-861, aims to enable municipalities to revive this tradition by permitting annual events for the open burning of Christmas trees. The legislation stipulates that all decorations, lights, and ornaments must be removed from the trees before the burning takes place.

In advocating for the bill, Senator Steinhardt pointed out the practical benefits, stating, "Annual open burn events are a cost-effective method for municipalities to dispose of discarded Christmas trees. These events would occur under the watchful eye of local fire departments and provide greater environmental benefits than dumping the trees into landfills."

Furthermore, he highlighted the importance of reducing regulatory barriers, noting that such actions would allow communities to once again engage in their cherished Christmas tree burning traditions.