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After Christmas, how do you dispose of a real Christmas tree?
If you have an artificial one, hopefully it’s good quality and lasts for years, but for those who love the smell and vibes of a real Christmas tree, what do you do when it’s time to take it down?
There are a couple of options. You can compost it by separating the branches from the trunk, chopping them into small pieces, and gradually adding them to your compost bin, and using the trunk for firewood.
Or you can check with your private garden waste collection service to see if they accept
Christmas trees. Some Christmas tree farms will take back trees purchased from anywhere for free and turn them into mulch or compost.
Some transfer stations and community recycling centres also accept Christmas trees for a fee.
When it comes to festive decorating, try your local Community Recycling Centre (CRC).
Most CRCs have Reuse Shops packed with vintage treasures, quirky ornaments, and quality
homeware. These finds add character to your home and keep perfectly good items out of landfill. They’re also a good place to stock up on next year’s decorations.
Some other “waste-less” tips include avoiding glossy or metallic wrapping paper as it can’t be recycled; paper festive wrap is best. Use fabric, newspapers, or brown paper for a rustic look, or try Furoshiki, the Japanese art of wrapping gifts in reusable cloth. Another way is to repurpose reusable bags or baskets as gift wraps.
Glossy wrapping paper, ribbons, and soft plastics don’t belong in your recycling bin.
Reduce food waste by planning meals carefully and buying only what you need.
Love your leftovers – turn them into new dishes. Check out Love Food Hate Waste NZ for
recipes. You can also share meals – hosting a potluck or joining community initiatives reduces waste and saves money. After the feast, put bones and scraps in your food scraps bin (if your area has them) and they will be turned into energy and fertiliser when collected
