Trash for Christmas Trees: How One Act of Kindness Turned Into a Holiday Tradition

She thanked me 10 times, she couldn’t stop crying,” Errol Segal said. I decided after that this is a good thing do.

[Dec 3, 2021: Kathy Vara]

"She thanked me 10 times, she couldn’t stop crying," Segal said. “I decided after that this is a good thing do.” (CREDIT: Creative Commons)

Years ago Errol Segal, of Active Recycling in Historic Couth Central, bought a Christmas tree for a customer who couldn't afford one.

"She thanked me 10 times, she couldn’t stop crying," Segal said. “I decided after that this is a good thing do.”

To discourage illegal dumping, he asked for one thing: Bring your trash, and get a tree.



Customers were asked to bring in "iron, cardboard, newspaper, copper, brass, aluminum, and more" at the center located at 2000 W. Slauson Ave.


Related News


For Dec. 3 only, Segal let customers dump up to 500 pounds of trash for free and get a tree. He had 1,000 to give away Friday morning while supplies lasted.

"The price of trees is very expensive due to fires, drought, and transport. They are expensive this year," Segal said.



A couple in Hawthorne got their free tree after Segal said to bring all the cardboard they could find.

“This one’s calling my name," Precious said as she picked out her tree.

For more good news stories check out our Good News section at The Brighter Side of News.


Like these kind of feel good stories? Get the Brighter Side of News' newsletter.


Tags: #Good_News, #Kindness, #Christmas, #Generosity, #Trees, #Recycling, #Donations, #The_Brighter_Side_of_News


Joseph Shavit
Joseph ShavitSpace, Technology and Medical News Writer
Joseph Shavit is the head science news writer with a passion for communicating complex scientific discoveries to a broad audience. With a strong background in both science, business, product management, media leadership and entrepreneurship, Joseph possesses the unique ability to bridge the gap between business and technology, making intricate scientific concepts accessible and engaging to readers of all backgrounds.