Christmas might be over, but if you’re anything like us, the tree is probably still standing proudly in the corner — lights dimmed, decorations starting to feel a little… done.
Over the next week or so, thousands of households across the UK will be asking the same question: what’s the best thing to do with your Christmas tree once the festivities have finished?
If you bought a real tree this year, there are some brilliant options that are easy, responsible, and — in many cases — support local charities and community groups at the same time.
TL;DR — What to Do With Your Christmas Tree
✔️ Check for a local charity tree collection (late Dec–mid Jan)
✔️ Book a collection + donate — funds support local causes
✔️ Remove all decorations & stands before collection
✔️ Use council recycling schemes if charity collections aren’t available
✔️ Avoid binning or burning your tree where possible
A small choice that’s better for the environment — and your community.
🎄 Option 1: Donate Your Tree to a Charity Collection (Our Favourite)
Across the UK, local charities are now opening Christmas tree collection schemes, usually running from late December through the first two weeks of January.
For a small donation, volunteers will collect your tree directly from your home and ensure it’s responsibly recycled — with all proceeds going towards local causes.
Why this is a great option:
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It’s convenient — no trips to the tip
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Your donation supports local charities at a crucial fundraising time
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Trees are recycled responsibly, often chipped into mulch for parks and green spaces
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Collections are run by people in your community — neighbours, families, volunteers
Most schemes ask you to:
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Register your tree online
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Make a suggested donation (often £10–£20)
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Leave your undecorated tree outside your property on the collection date
If you’re planning to take your decorations down over the next few days, this is a great option to line up now.
🌱 Option 2: Use Your Local Council Recycling Scheme
If a charity collection isn’t available where you live, most councils offer Christmas tree recycling via:
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Garden waste collections
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Drop-off points at recycling centres
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Temporary tree drop zones in early January
Make sure:
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All decorations, lights and stands are removed
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The tree isn’t bagged (unless your council asks for it)
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You check dates — many schemes only run for a short window
This is still a solid, environmentally responsible choice.
🔥 Option 3: Reuse It at Home (If You Can)
If you’ve got outdoor space, there are a few ways to reuse your tree:
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Cut branches for frost protection in the garden
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Use chipped wood as mulch
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Leave sections as habitat for wildlife
Just be mindful of local rules — and avoid burning treated or flocked trees.
Community-Led Christmas Tree Collections Happening Now (UK)
To help point people in the right direction, here are examples of charities and community groups across the UK that are running Christmas tree collections this season.
(Availability varies by postcode — booking early is recommended.)
South West England
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Dorothy House Hospice Care — Collecting trees across Bath, Bristol and surrounding areas in early January.
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Children’s Hospice South West — Running collections to fund vital hospice care for families.
Midlands
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Myton Hospices (often in partnership with local charities) — Covering parts of Warwickshire and the West Midlands.
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Treetops Hospice — Serving Derbyshire and Nottinghamshire with volunteer-led collections.
North of England
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St Gemma’s Hospice (Leeds) — A long-running community collection supporting end-of-life care.
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Francis House Children’s Hospice / Moya Cole Hospice (Greater Manchester) — Local collections supporting children and families.
South East England
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St Francis Hospice — Covering parts of Hertfordshire and surrounding counties.
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St Peter & St James Hospice — Tree collections supporting hospice services in the South East.
Wales
In Wales, Christmas tree recycling is often delivered through local authority schemes, sometimes alongside community fundraising initiatives. Check your council website for details on garden waste collections and drop-off points.
Scotland
Many Scottish communities run local, volunteer-led tree recycling initiatives, often supported by hospices or community groups. Availability varies by area, so local noticeboards and council pages are the best place to check.
A Small Act That Makes a Big Difference
What we love about Christmas tree collections is how simple they are.
A small donation. A few volunteers. A tree that’s had its moment — now helping fund care, services and support in the community.
At The Local, we’re big believers in these quiet, practical acts of community spirit. They’re a reminder that even after Christmas is “over”, there are still meaningful ways to give something back.
If your tree’s ready to come down, now’s the perfect time to choose the option that does the most good.
