The tell-tale sign that the holiday season is over is – Christmas trees line the pavement.

The British Christmas Tree Growers Association says that about 7 million Christmas trees (the range is 6 to 8 million) are sold and discarded in the UK each year. That’s 85% of UK homes! And each January, I see the evidence on the city streets. Where do all these trees go?

It turns out many local authorities have tree recycling programmes. If not reused or recycled, trees can end up in landfills which is costly to both the environment and the taxpayer.

Here are four ways to reuse or dispose of your Christmas Tree, courtesy of the Department for Environment, Food & Rural Affairs and Rebecca Pow MP

1. Opt for a potted Christmas tree which you can replant in a garden or green space.
2. Drop your tree off at a recycling centre where it can be turned into chippings for paths or turned into soil – details for where to do so can be found by entering your postcode into theRecycle Now website.
3. Check with your local council to find out where special collection services are located.

4. Post your tree on Timber Market so it can be reused and turned into something beautiful.

https://www.gov.uk/government/news/recycle-or-replant-your-tree-for-a-greener-christmas

Photo Attribution: Richard Webb