The Christmas holidays are over, everyday life is slowly returning to normal, and festive decorations usually stay in our homes until Epiphany. After that, many of us face the same question every year: What should we do with our real Christmas tree?
Responsible handling of Christmas trees is essential. In municipalities where FCC Environment CEE operates, dedicated collection points or special collection services are available to ensure that trees are properly processed and reused. Trees can be placed next to mixed waste containers or taken to designated collection points. Information about collection dates is usually available on municipal websites or in local newsletters.
To enable optimal recycling, all decorations must be completely removed – ornaments, tinsel, metal hooks and any other decorative elements. Christmas trees should also not be wrapped in plastic bags. Ideally, trees should be placed loose. Once packed in bags, additional handling is required and the trees can no longer be processed as bio-waste. Even a single forgotten decoration can cause complications during recycling.
If possible, cut off the branches and saw the trunk into smaller pieces. This significantly facilitates transport and further processing.
How Christmas Trees Can Be Reused
Non-potted Christmas trees can be reused in several sustainable ways – through composting or energy recovery. Approximately 500 Christmas trees can cover the annual energy needs of one household or replace around 1,000 litres of heating oil.
During composting, trees are shredded into wood chips, which are used as a compost additive or mulch. This process helps reduce waste and returns valuable nutrients to nature.
If you prefer to recycle your Christmas tree yourself, you can shred it using a garden chipper and turn it into bark mulch for your garden. Mulch helps retain moisture in the soil and protects sensitive ornamental plants from drying out. After shredding, store the wood chips in a dry place for several months. Smaller amounts can then be added to compost or used around plants such as rhododendrons and hydrangeas. Larger branches can also serve as frost protection for sensitive plants, such as roses. The tree should not dry out completely but should be stored outdoors in a sheltered area for a limited time.
Christmas Trees in Pots – A Waste-Free Alternative
A popular and environmentally friendly option is a potted Christmas tree. If properly cared for (regular watering and protection from temperature shock), it can be replanted in a garden or kept in a cool place for the next season. Successful replanting depends on proper care during and after the holidays and on ensuring that the tree is not kept in a pot that is too small.
In Serbia, for example, FCC colleagues offer an initiative in Kikinda: people who do not want to plant their potted Christmas tree themselves can bring it to the FCC facility, where it will be planted and given a new life.
Real or Artificial Christmas Tree?
If you have ever wondered which option is more environmentally friendly – a real or an artificial Christmas tree – the answer is clear: the real tree wins. It has:
- a lower carbon footprint
- lower energy consumption during production
- minimal release of harmful substances during its life cycle
- fully recyclable and reusable waste
If an artificial Christmas tree reaches the end of its life, it should be taken to a recycling centre, where it can be separated into plastic and metal components and recycled properly.
Recycling Christmas trees and keeping valuable resources in circulation does not require complex solutions. Sustainability starts in our own homes – and its impact reaches far beyond the holiday season.
