Christmas tree recycling

When choosing a Christmas tree, there are several sustainable options you could consider:

Real trees

• rent a potted tree from a local supplier
• buy a potted Christmas tree – after Christmas, remove decorations and move it outside to grow for future use year after year
• use an existing live, potted plant or tree at home – it doesn’t need to be a traditional spruce-shape Christmas tree
• if you choose a real chopped tree, look for locally grown trees which will have a lower carbon footprint than imported ones

Remember it is your responsibility to dispose of real Christmas trees properly. You can also:

• home compost your tree
• chop your tree up to make firewood
• enrich your soil with pine needles
• use it to create a shelter for insects and birds

For more information, visit Six easy ways to re-use your Christmas Tree – Soil Association.

Artificial trees

If you want an artificial tree, try buying a second-hand one that you can re-use for years to come. Visit local charity shops or check second-hand sites for artificial Christmas trees in a good condition. You can check websites such as:

• Freecycle
• Facebook Marketplace
• Ebay
• Gumtree

You could also get creative and use household items to create a unique Christmas tree, for example from books or reclaimed wood.

Real Christmas tree collections

If you are subscribed to the garden waste service, the collection team will collect your Christmas tree on your regular garden waste collection day. You must:

• remove all decorations
• place your tree at the front of your property by 6am

If you live in a block with garden waste collections:

• place your tree next to the garden waste bin
• make sure you do not block access to the bins

You can also arrange a collection through the bulky waste service from 27 December.

Drop-off locations for real Christmas trees

From 2 January to 31 January, you can drop off your real Christmas tree at any of the following locations: