Full Breakdown
Forest of Dean to Resume Kerbside Christmas Tree Collections in 2026
12/26/2025, 8:05:52 PM
Overview of the Collection Service
The Forest of Dean District Council has announced the return of its kerbside collection service for real Christmas trees, available to all households from January 12 to January 23, 2026. This service will include homes without a current garden waste licence. Residents are encouraged to place their trees at the kerbside on their scheduled garden waste collection day. The collected trees will be shredded and composted locally at Rose Hill Farm in Dymock.
Guidelines for Tree Disposal
To facilitate the collection process, residents must ensure that their trees are cut into sections no longer than 1.3 meters, with all decorations, lights, and stands removed. In addition to the kerbside collection, residents can also dispose of their trees at Household Recycling Centres (HRCs) located at Oak Quarry (Broadwell) and Hempsted (Gloucester). These centres will operate under winter hours from 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM daily, except on Christmas Day, Boxing Day, and New Year’s Day. Advance booking is required for visits to HRCs.
Emphasis on Sustainable Practices
Councillor Andy Moore, the Cabinet Member responsible for waste and recycling, highlighted the importance of sustainability during the holiday season. He stated, “The Council has collected real trees for over 15 years now, and we know residents really value the convenience this service offers.” He also encouraged residents to consider more sustainable disposal options, such as re-potting trees with root balls for future use, home composting cut trees, or using them to create habitats for wildlife.
Waste Management During the Holiday Season
The District Council's garden waste service will be suspended from December 25 to January 9 to allow crews to focus on refuse and recycling during the busy festive period. The service will resume on January 12. The Council is also urging residents to minimize waste during Christmas by planning meals carefully and utilizing food waste bins, which contribute to renewable energy and soil enrichment at Severn Trent Power in Bishops Cleeve.
Criticism & Opposition
While the Council promotes the kerbside collection service, some residents may express concerns regarding the overall environmental impact of increased waste during the holiday season. Critics may argue that more proactive measures are needed to encourage sustainable practices beyond tree disposal.
What's Next
As the holiday season approaches, the Forest of Dean District Council will continue to provide information on waste and recycling changes, ensuring residents are informed about the best practices for waste management during this period. Further details can be found on the District Council’s website.
Verbatim Quotes
“However, with so much waste created during the Christmas period, we encourage residents to consider more sustainable options for disposing of trees.” — Councillor Andy Moore, Cabinet Member for Waste and Recycling.
