FOREST of Dean residents wanting to recycle their real Christmas trees will be able to put them out for collection between Monday 8 and Friday 19 January 2018.

The Christmas tree collection service - operated by the Forest of Dean District Council and waste contractor Biffa - is available to all residents, including those without a current garden waste licence.

Householders wishing to use the service should put their tree out at the kerbside on their scheduled garden waste collection day between the two dates. Garden waste collections take place on the alternate week to the refuse collection for most properties.

Small trees can be reduced and put in the green wheeled bin. Larger trees can be left at the kerbside and taller trees must be reduced to lengths no greater than 1.5 metres. All lights, tree decorations, pots and stands must be removed in order for the tree to be collected.

Councillor Chris McFarling, Cabinet Member for the Environment at the Forest of Dean District Council said: “With a fifth of homes opting for a real tree over the artificial kind, we are pleased to be able to offer the tree collection service to all households again this year.

“We know residents really value this service as Christmas trees are bulky and awkward to dispose of, particularly once the needles start to drop. Once all decorations have been removed, residents are asked to carefully reduce their trees to sections no greater than 1.5 metres before putting out at the kerbside to assist the collection.”

Anyone wanting to know when their garden waste collection is due can either visit the waste pages of the Council’s website (www.fdean.gov.uk), check their annual waste calendar or call the customer services team on 01594 810000 during office opening hours.

Real Christmas trees can also be taken to the local Household Recycling Centres at Broadwell, near Coleford and Hempsted, near Gloucester and placed in the garden waste container. Both sites are open every day from 9.00am to 6.15pm (except for Christmas Day and New Year’s Day). Last entry is at 6.00pm. Large trees need to be reduced to smaller lengths before visiting.

Residents are reminded that garden waste cannot be disposed of in their black refuse bins.