Brits can recycle, donate or plant their Christmas tree

The festive season is nearly over so if you have a real Christmas tree and you’re not sure what to do with it – here’s what you need to know.

With the big day over for another year, the leftovers eaten and the recycling bin full, you’ll likely be turning your attention towards taking down your decorations.

For those with an artificial tree, you can simply pack it away again and store it until next Christmas but if you have a real tree, you can recycle, donate or plant it – just don’t leave it dumped on a pavement somewhere.

There are several ways to get rid of your tree which are environmentally friendly, simple and charitable.

Your first option is to recycle – you can simply put it into your garden waste bin when collections resume. The tree should be cut up and contained in the green wheelie bin with the lid closed. Or, if you prefer, you can take your tree to your nearest recycling centre where staff will help you put it in the correct recycling container.

Alternatively, you can donate your tree – it will still technically be recycled but it will go to a good cause.

For example, you can support your local hospice by registering for their hassle-free Christmas tree collection. In exchange for a donation, volunteers will come and get your tree and dispose of it for you. 

These ‘treecycling’ schemes include hospices across the UK whose collection postcodes can be found here.

ChristmasTrees.co.uk has also created a list, sorted by location, of nearly 100 charities across the UK offering Christmas tree collection. It can be viewed here.

Many councils around the UK offer a Christmas tree collection service, just check your local council’s website for details.

Some councils will collect your tree from your home with your garden waste as usual, whereas others may choose a local collection point where you can leave your tree to be collected and recycled.

Finally, if you bought a living tree in a pot, as opposed to a cut tree, you could replant it in your garden to make a nice feature. 

To get creative if you enjoy gardening, you could even add bird feeders to attract wildlife too.

According to tradition, you should take your Christmas tree and decorations down before the day of Epiphany, January 6.