https://stclarehospice.org.uk/christmastrees/When you take down your Christmas tree, be sure to dispose of it responsibly. Real Christmas trees can be recycled in January with your green-lidded food and garden bin. If it’s over 6 feet, cut it in half and remove all decorations such as baubles, tinsel, lights, and any stands or pots.

Unfortunately artificial trees can’t be recycled, but they can be reused! If they’re in good condition, they could be resold at a charity shop or online. If it cannot be reused, take it to your local recycling centre or arrange for a special collection.

• Check your bin collection day

Composting

Instead of disposing of your real Christmas tree, you can add it to your compost bin or leave it chopped up in a corner of your garden to slowly decompose – the critters in your garden will thank you for the great habitat!

Support a local charity

St Clare Hospice is offering a Christmas tree collection and recycling service in January for a suggested donation of £15 per tree. All trees must be booked in advance. Registration closes on Tuesday 6 January 2026.

• St Clare Hospice’s Christmas tree collection

Cardboard boxes

Boxes can be flat-packed and placed in your blue-lidded recycling bin. If the cardboard is too large to fit in the recycling bin, flatten it and place it next to your blue-lidded recycling bin on your next recycling week.

Love Essex Christmas hub

• Seasonal sorting – what to recycle at Christmas