FOREST of Dean residents who choose a real Christmas tree this festive season will once again be able to dispose of it easily and sustainably, with kerbside collections returning in January.

Forest of Dean District Council has confirmed that real Christmas trees will be collected from all households, including those without a garden waste licence, during a two week collection window running from Monday, January 12 to Friday, January 23.

Trees should be placed at the kerbside on residents’ scheduled garden waste collection day. To ensure collections run smoothly, trees must be cut into sections no longer than 1.3 metres and all decorations, lights and stands must be removed before presentation.

All collected trees will be shredded and composted locally at Rose Hill Farm in Dymock, helping to reduce waste and support sustainable disposal within the district.

Councillor Andy Moore, Cabinet Member responsible for waste and recycling at Forest of Dean District Council, said: “The Council has collected real trees for over 15 years now and we know residents really value the convenience this service offers. We’re pleased to continue the tradition for 2026.

“However, with so much waste created during the Christmas period, we encourage residents to consider more sustainable options for disposing of trees. Trees with root balls are best re potted for use in future years, while cut trees can be home composted with a little effort. They can also be shredded for mulch, stacked to create habitats for insects, or simply left in the garden to provide shelter for birds, small mammals and insects during the winter months.”

The Council has also highlighted alternative ways residents can dispose of real Christmas trees. Trees can be taken to Household Recycling Centres at Oak Quarry in Broadwell or Hempsted in Gloucester.

These sites are open daily from 10.00 AM to 4.00 PM during winter opening hours but will be closed on Christmas Day, Boxing Day and New Year’s Day.

Visits to Household Recycling Centres must be booked in advance through the Gloucestershire Recycles website. Excess recycling can also be taken to bring banks located across the district, with locations listed on the District Council’s website.

Garden waste collections will be suspended from Thursday, December 25 to Friday, January 9, allowing crews and vehicles to support refuse and recycling services during the busy festive period. Normal garden waste collections will resume on Monday, January 12.

With Christmas being the time of year when the most waste is produced, the Council is also reminding residents how they can reduce waste and recycle more effectively.

Most packaging and wrapping paper can also be recycled, provided it is not foil based or glittery and any plastic tape is removed.

Clean cans and tin foil can also be recycled, while all plastic packaging except hard and soft plastics is now accepted as part of the weekly recycling service.

Further details about Christmas and New Year waste and recycling arrangements can be found on the Forest of Dean District Council website.