Christmas Tree Collection in Cambridge

As the festive season draws to a close, the question of what to do with your Christmas tree becomes a pressing concern. In Cambridge, there are several options available for Christmas tree collection and recycling, ensuring that your tree is disposed of in an environmentally friendly manner. This article will guide you through the various options available, from council collections to charity services, and even tips on how to repurpose your tree at home.

Cambridge City Council Collection

The Cambridge City Council offers a free Christmas tree collection service for residents. This service typically runs from the first week of January until the end of the month. The council encourages residents to make use of this service as it ensures that trees are recycled in an environmentally friendly manner.

To use this service, residents simply need to place their tree on the kerbside on their scheduled green bin collection day. It's important to note that trees must be free of all decorations and stands. If your tree is over 6ft, it needs to be cut into manageable pieces. The council also requests that residents do not place trees in plastic bags.

Booking a Collection

While the council's Christmas tree collection service is free, it does require booking. Residents can book a collection through the council's website. It's advisable to book early as slots can fill up quickly.

Once booked, you will receive a confirmation email with your collection date. If your tree is not collected on the scheduled date, the council advises residents to report it through their website.

Charity Christmas Tree Collection Services

If you're looking to dispose of your Christmas tree and contribute to a good cause at the same time, there are several charities in Cambridge that offer Christmas tree collection services for a small donation.

These charities typically collect trees in early January and use local volunteers to carry out the collections. The trees are then recycled, with the proceeds going towards the charity's work.

JustHelping

JustHelping is one such charity that offers a Christmas tree collection service in Cambridge. They work in partnership with local hospices and other charities, with the aim of raising funds and providing a useful service to the community.

To use their service, you simply need to register your tree on their website and make a donation. They will then arrange a collection date. It's worth noting that this service is very popular, so it's advisable to register your tree as early as possible.

Repurposing Your Christmas Tree

If you're feeling creative, there are several ways you can repurpose your Christmas tree at home. Not only is this a fun and sustainable option, but it can also save you the hassle of arranging a collection.

Garden Mulch

One of the easiest ways to repurpose your Christmas tree is to use it as garden mulch. The needles make excellent mulch as they decompose slowly and are acidic, which can help to balance the pH levels in your soil.

To create mulch, you simply need to remove the branches and run them through a garden shredder. If you don't have a shredder, you can often hire one from a local garden centre.

Wildlife Shelter

Another option is to use your tree as a wildlife shelter in your garden. This can provide a valuable habitat for birds and small mammals during the colder months.

To create a wildlife shelter, simply place your tree in a quiet corner of your garden and leave it to decompose naturally. You can even hang bird feeders or fat balls from the branches to attract more wildlife.

Conclusion

Disposing of your Christmas tree in Cambridge doesn't need to be a hassle. Whether you choose to use the council's collection service, donate to a charity, or repurpose your tree at home, there are plenty of options available. By choosing an environmentally friendly disposal method, you can ensure that your tree continues to give back long after the festive season has ended.