Christmas tree collection in County Durham is now available for booking. Here's how to get your tree removed and recycled in the county.

Now that the Yuletide festivities are over, the Christmas tree's days are numbered. Standing sheepishly in the corner, drying up and dropping needles, it's only a matter of time until it'll need to exit stage left.

Officially, Christmas decorations should be taken down after the 12 days of Christmas have come to an end on January 5. But Father Christmas isn't going to come around and check, so you can chuck out the Christmas tree and tinsel whenever you like.

Thankfully, Christmas tree collection in County Durham is already available to book. From now until mid January, you can get Durham County Council to come along and get rid of your tree.

When is Durham Christmas tree collection available?

You can book your Christmas tree collection from now until January 12. The actual Christmas tree collections themselves will then take place starting the week of January 13 for Chester-le-Street, Durham, Teesdale and Wear Valley; and the following week for Derwentside, Easington and Sedgefield.

How do I book my Christmas tree collection slot?

To book your County Durham Christmas tree collection head to www.durham.gov.uk/christmastreecollections

Do they take fake trees?

No - this is just for real Christmas trees.

How much does Durham Christmas tree collection cost?

It's free!

What do I do on the week of Christmas tree collection?

Put your tree out from 7am on Monday of the scheduled week of collection.

The council also asks people not to place the Christmas tree out for collection a day/few days before your scheduled collection week. This helps to stop the tree being taken by a third party who may not be licensed to collect and dispose of your tree legally. Your Christmas tree could end up flytipped.

What happens after my Christmas tree collection?

Your tree will be recycled - it will be chipped and sent for composting, so that material can be used again to reduce any waste.

Anything else I need to know for my Christmas tree collection?

The council says to:

  • Make sure they can gain access to the tree - unlock gates where applicable.
  • Cut Christmas trees over 10 feet in height into a manageable size, ie at least in half with further trimming to larger branches
  • Leave your tree either in front of your property (for example on your drive, or garden), or at the side of your house where your bins are normally collected.

What if I miss the Durham Christmas tree collection deadline?

Don't worry - real trees can also be taken to any of County Durham's Household Waste Recycling Centres (HWRCs). For a list of centres visit www.durham.gov.uk/hwrc

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