Camden, Haringey, Barnet, and Westminster councils have released information on where and how people living in the Hampstead and Highgate area can recycle their Christmas trees.

All councils strongly advise not to dump trees illegally and to remember to remove all decorations and stands from Christmas trees.

Some councils even suggest buying a living tree in a pot so that it can be planted in the garden or reused the following year.

Camden

Camden Council's recycling points for Christmas trees will operate from January 2, 2024, to January 14, 2024.

Residents have been urged to ensure they have removed any decorations from their trees when recycling.

If your usual recycling point is East Heath Road, you are advised to take your trees to either Netherhall Gardens or Highgate Enclosures, while users of Jack Straw’s Castle car park recycling point can take theirs to Netherhall Gardens or Fortune Green Road Open Space.

Residents who usually recycle at Millfield Lane can use Highgate Enclosures or the Regis Road RRC.

There are no recycling sites at Hampstead Heath and Purchese Street open space this year, and for Purchese street residents are advised to use the recycling point at Goldington Crescent Gardens.

The council is also warning against illegal dumping of Christmas trees on the street, which attracts a £400 fine.

Haringey

Haringey Council is offering various ways for people to recycle their Christmas trees.

On collection day, residents can place their trees, in a visible and accessible location next to their bins, for the council to collect for free.

Trees over three feet long should be cut in half, otherwise the council cannot collect them.

Trees can also be taken to Haringey's reuse and recycling centre in Wood Green.

However, pre-booking is required for those visiting the centre in a van or trailer.

Additionally, between December 26, 2023, and January 14, 2024, trees can be taken to designated sites in parks including the Albert Recreation Ground, Bruce Castle Park, Downhills Park, Finsbury Park, and Priory Park.

The Gardens Community Garden (GRA) will also operate a Christmas tree recycling point from January 2 to January 27, 2024.

Westminster

Westminster Council has set up more than 25 recycling points for real Christmas Trees, with a service running from December 27, 2023, to January 10, 2024.

Trees will only be recycled, and turned into woodchip and soil improver, if taken to these points, with all decorations, stands and netting removed.

People can find their recycling point here.

Barnet

Barnet Council is taking a streamlined approach, stating that it will collect real Christmas trees in January.

Just like the other councils, residents are asked to ensure all decorations and tree lights are removed.

The council asks that the tree is cut in half and put outside the house by January 12, for collection over one of the two weekends that follow.