The Ham & High and its sister papers the Tottenham Independent and Barnet Times cover parts of the boroughs of Camden, Haringey, Barnet and Westminster, and each one has different arrangements for dealing with Christmas trees.
Camden
In Camden, trees can be recycled at various places across the borough from January 2 to January 12.
A map is available on the council’s website to find the nearest recycling point: https://opendata.camden.gov.uk/Your-Council/Christmas-Tree-Recycling-Point-Map/d5fy-utna
Residents are urged to remove decorations and warned against leaving trees on the streets, as this is considered illegal and could lead to a £1,000 fine.
Changes this year mean the City of London Corporation will not collect trees on Hampstead Heath, and there will be no recycling point at Camden Gardens.
Alternative sites have been suggested for usual drop-off points, and a new trial recycling site will be at Polygon Road Open Space.
Camden residents can also use the Regis Road Reuse and Recycling Centre or opt for collection through the council’s garden waste subscription service.
Barnet
For Barnet residents, real Christmas trees will be collected on Saturday, January 11, or Saturday, January 18.
Trees should be placed at the boundary of the property by 6am on the collection day, with all decorations removed and cut in half.
Haringey
Haringey offers several options for tree disposal.
Street collections will be made, but trees over a metre must be cut in half.
Residents with communal bins can leave trees next to waste containers until the end of January.
Haringey’s reuse and recycling centre in Wood Green, as well as several parks, will also have designated drop-off sites from December 26 to January 12.
The Gardens Residents Association (GRA) community garden will accept whole trees from January 2 to January 24.
Westminster
In Westminster, more than 25 drop-off points are available from December 26 to January 19.
These sites will accept trees from residents and businesses, with all trees being recycled and turned into woodchip and soil improver.
An online map is available to find the nearest recycling point: https://lbhf.maps.arcgis.com/apps/instant/nearby/index.html?appid=edf43d39bf5c4b859cf546a6209d0c8f
Real Christmas trees can also be placed in general waste bins, although it is advised to cut them up first.
By following the guidelines, residents can ensure their Christmas trees are disposed of in an environmentally friendly way.
It is important for residents to check their council’s specific guidelines and follow them accordingly.
For any queries, residents are encouraged to contact their council directly.
