Christmas tree recycling

Household real Christmas trees will be collected for recycling between Monday 9 and Friday 20 January 2012 on the same day as your normal waste and recycling collections. (During this period, if the tree is not picked up on the first collection day, we will endeavour to do it on the following week on your usual collection day).

Real Christmas trees only - remove all decorations, pots and stands. Present trees whole unless more than 3 metres long. Please cut trees longer than this into smaller pieces.

Put your tree out on your normal collection day in a place that is easy to see but does not block the pavement, ideally next to your recycling containers.

Last year we collected around 20,000 Christmas trees for recycling which was fantastic. However, high demand means we may not collect all trees immediately. If yours is not taken first time, put it out again the following week on your collection day.

How are real Christmas trees recycled?

The real Christmas trees collected for recycling go with the general green garden waste to Oxford to be composted in windrows.

After 20 January 2012 Christmas trees presented on recycling and waste collections days will be collected but may not be recycled.

Drop off points for real Christmas tree recycling

As an alternative, you can take your tree to a drop off point at:

* No commercial use - residents only.

We regret that we cannot offer assisted collections for Christmas tree recycling. If you think you will have difficulty in handling a Christmas tree please consider what arrangements you can make in advance to aid you with disposing of/recycling your tree.

Reusing your Christmas tree

If you buy a tree that has been grown in a container or potted with its roots intact, plant it in your garden after Christmas. Alternatively, transfer it into a bigger pot so the roots have room to grow and use it again next year.

If you no longer want your artificial tree please consider extending its life by donating it to a local group or charity shop.