What are Blue Tubes?
Blue Tubes are plastic sheets that can be rolled into a tube shape and secured with built in tabs and a bamboo stake. When placed around young trees planted outdoors they help to protect the tree from frost, wind, deer, and mice. They also create a warming "greenhouse" effect that helps the young tree get a strong start in the wild.
Where to Get Blue Tube Tree Protectors
Used “Blue Tubes” are often available for free outside the Whatcom Conservation District office at Hannegan Road and Pole Road:
6975 Hannegan Road
Lynden, Washington 98264
(360) 354-2035 x3
wcd@whatcomcd.org
Google Map
They are in a self-serve bin on the north end of the building. Call ahead to the Conservation District office to confirm availability.
Blue Tubes can also be purchased through the manufacturer: http://www.norplexinc.com/
How to Use Blue Tubes
Click here to down load a .pdf handout with instructions on assembling and securing Blue Tubes to protect young trees.
The Whatcom Conservation District also has an instructional video on their website at: http://www.whatcomcd.org/Videos/BlueTubes.html
"Blue Tube" Tree Protectors Recycling Options
Blue Tubes, otherwise known as Norplex Tree Protectors, are made of High Density Poly-ethylene (HDPE) and can be reused and/or recycled locally.
Agri- Plas Inc.
By appointment only
8798 Guide Meridian (old Plagerman dairy)
Kyle 815-2721
Trevor 815-7919
Materials accepted: All film and rigid plastics except PVC.
The tubes will be sent to the Agri-Plas facility in Brookes, OR. The plastics will remain a domestic product. Most likely made into pellets and returned to local plastic manufacturers.
Skagit River Steel and Recycling
1265 S. Anacortes St.
Burlington, WA
1-800-869-7097
Skagit River Steel recycles agricultural plastics and will accept used and dirty blue tubes free of charge
Re Sources Agricultural Plastics recycling program
For more information visit
www.re-sources.org or email: recycle@re-sources.org
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