MINNEAPOLIS (AP) -- For the second year, the Recycling Association of Minnesota is collecting unwanted Christmas lights.

The association has lined up 320 locations statewide where Minnesotans can recycle the lights.

Association executive director Ellen Telander says last year they hoped to collect 50,000 pounds of lights but nearly doubled that. This year, the goal is 200,000 pounds. Telander says a pound is about one strand of lights.

The initiative is aimed at increasing recycling and putting disabled Minnesota residents to work. Telander says they hope to provide work for 400 disabled
Minnesotans this year.

The program started Nov. 15, but the busiest recycling time is in the days ahead.

(Copyright 2010 by The Associated Press.  All Rights Reserved.)

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