Christmas tree lights take 1,000 years to break down in landfill

SAN LEANDRO, Calif. (KGO) -- If you're taking down your tree, don't throw those broken lights in the trash. Experts say they can take up to 1,000 years to break down in a landfill.

With that in mind, cities like San Leandro are hosting holiday light recycling programs.

Residents are invited to drop their light strands at the Public Works Service Center on Chapman Road from 7 a.m. to 3:30 a.m. starting Monday.