As the festive season winds down, Somerset residents are being encouraged to plan ahead for responsibly recycling their real Christmas trees.

With several options available, recycling your tree ensures it doesn't end up in landfill.

Here's how you can dispose of your tree sustainably:

Compost at home

If you have the space, composting your Christmas tree is an eco-friendly option that benefits your garden.

Garden waste collection

For garden waste subscribers, trees can be left alongside your garden waste bin for collection, provided they are decoration-free and no taller than 2 metres (6ft). Collections resume from Wednesday, 8th January. Larger trees cannot be collected due to handling restrictions.

Recycling sites

If your tree exceeds 2 metres or you're not a garden waste subscriber, take it to your nearest recycling site and place it in the garden waste skip.

Charity collection services

Some local charities are offering Christmas tree collection services in exchange for a small donation. Organisations such as Dorothy House, St Margaret's Hospice, and Children's Hospice South West are participating through the Just Helping initiative. Simply register online, and the charity will arrange to collect your tree.

By recycling your tree, you're helping reduce waste and support a sustainable environment. For more details on collection services or recycling sites, visit your local council's website.