Christmas Tree Recycling

Disposing of your real Christmas tree can be hassle-free, recycle it with us! For a suggested donation of £12, we will collect your tree, take it away to be recycled. Collections take place from Monday 13th January 2025.

Please read our FAQs below for further details.

• When is the last date I can book to have my tree collected and recycled?
  Due to the routing, planning & volunteers needed we can only accept bookings until midnight Sunday 5th January 2025. Unfortunately, we are unable to accept bookings submitted after this time.
• How much will it cost?
  You can make a donation of your choice, and if you are a taxpayer you can also Gift Aid your donation. We ask for a suggested donation of £12 per tree.
  It costs £3,770 per day to provide the special care that we do at the Hospice so please give generously.
• Can I donate when my tree is collected?
  No, unfortunately, all collections need to be pre-booked.
• What do I have to do?
  Book your collection, take the decorations off and leave your tree in your designated place by 8am on Monday 13th January 2025.
• When will it be collected?
  Your tree will be collected from Monday 13th January 2025 onwards. Unfortunately, we are unable to provide you with a specific date and time.
• Do I have to be in?
  No. Just leave it in your designated place ready for us to collect providing we can access it.
• Where do I leave my tree?
  When you book, you will be asked for an accurate address (including postcode), if you live in a property that is difficult to find please leave detailed instructions. Where possible please leave the tree on your property close to the road where it can easily be seen.
  If you have to leave it on the pavement please ensure it is not a safety hazard to others.
  If it cannot be left in view please include detailed information on where it is when you register e.g. “through the gate on the right, down by the bins.” And ensure that it can be retrieved safely by our volunteers.
• Who will be collecting my tree?
  Our wonderful team of Hospice staff and volunteers will collect and recycle trees for a donation of your choice. Our Collections Team will be wearing high-vis jackets and will have Hospice ID so that you can easily identify them. They will also adhere to the latest guidelines surrounding the pandemic. We are kindly being supported by Hill Top Hire and Poplar Garden Centre who are providing us with vans to enable us to safely and effectively carry out the collections and as such the vans will have their branding on them, again this will help you to identify our Collections Team.
• What if we have adverse weather conditions?
  At this time of year, the weather can be unpredictable, especially in some of our rural areas. We will advise you of any changes to the collection dates should there be an issue with the weather. The safety of our staff and volunteers is paramount and we will be guided by weather warnings.
• Why can you not specify a time or day for my tree to be collected?
  Due to the vast number of trees to be collected we are unable to give an exact time and day when we will be in your area.
• What if my tree hasn’t been collected by 9am on Monday 27th January 2025?
  Please contact the Community and Events Team immediately on 0191 386 1170 or email fundraising@stcuthbertshospice.com
• What will happen if I do not put my tree out in time?
  We will not be able to collect your tree if you fail to put out your tree in your designated location by 8 am on Monday 13th January 2025.
• Do you collect artificial trees?
  No, however, if your artificial tree is in excellent condition you can donate this to our Retail shops.
• Do you recycle decorations?
  No, please ensure that all the decorations and stand/bucket are removed prior to collection.
• What do I do if my tree is taken prior to collection?
  If your tree is taken or it is moved before the 8th of January please advise the Community and Events Team on 0191 386 1170 or email fundraising@stcuthbertshospice.com
• What happens with my donation?
  Your donation comes straight back into St Cuthbert’s Hospice and is spent on providing care to our local community.
• What should I do if my tree is over 8ft? If your tree is over 8ft, we would encourage you to try to remove as many branches as possible prior to collection and if you can, look to cut the tree in half or into sections to aid our volunteers. This will help us to be able to get your Christmas Tree into our vans safely and ensure we are able to take away your tree on the day. If your tree is too large, we may not be able to remove it on the day. Thank you so much for your cooperation and if you have any questions, please do email fundraising@stcuthbertshospice.com or call 0191 386 1170.

Could you be a High Vis Hero?!

Have a day to spare in your week or does your company offer you any volunteering days? If they do, why not sign up to help at our Christmas Tree Collections this January!

🙌Perfect for developing your teamwork skills
💚Help your local Hospice
🚚Have fun travelling around in vans and collecting trees
♻️Help the environment
⏲️Volunteering available on weekdays (9am-3pm)

Meet at the Hospice for a welcome induction with staff and then set off for a day hunting down trees! 🔎 You’ll complete a route around the local area and then drop your trees off at set locations for recycling. Head back to the Hospice for a cuppa and you’re done for the day! ☕

Collections will take place from Monday 13th January 2025 onwards.

We would love to welcome teams of 1 van driver and 2 tree collectors per vehicle and we can match you up in teams if you can’t find a friend to help volunteer with you!