Troy backs Scout’s bright idea
Broken holiday lights recycling project will benefit Toys for Tots
Figuring out what to do with broken and burned-out holiday lights while decorating the family Christmas tree inspired 16year-old Boy Scout Tyler Michaels to come up with a recycling project.
Tyler’s idea led him to work with the nearly 30 other members of Boy Scout Troop 2526 to collect the non-functioning lights at the Averill Park Fire House, which sponsors the troop. They garnered two pickup truckloads.
That inspired the city of Troy to reach out to Tyler, a sophomore at Averill Park High School, to ask him to bring the recycling effort to the Collar City. The result is 12 locations scattered around the city where lights can be dropped off until Jan. 15.
“It’s been more successful that we originally expected,” said Tyler recalling he suggested the idea to his dad, Alan Michaels, who is also the scoutmaster for Troop 2526.
The lights will be recycled by Ben Weitsman Recycling with any money raised going to Toys for Tots, said Tyler, who is close to completing the requirements to be an Eagle Scout.
“We’re excited to partner with Troop 2526 on this valuable recycling program and encourage Troy families to take advantage
of this opportunity to safely dispose of old holiday string lights this winter,” Mayor Patrick Madden said announcing the program.
The lights may be dropped off at any of the city ’s six firehouses, with locations found online at http://www.troyny.gov/departments/fire-department/, the police department, 55 State St.; City Hall, 433 River St., first floor lobby; the public works garage, 40 Orr St., the city water plant, 25 Water Plant Road; the Downtown Troy Post Office, 400 Broadway; and the rear entrance of the Rensselaer County Office Building, 1600 Seventh Ave.