Huge rise in Christmas tree recycling

Manchester recycled more than 100 tonnes worth of Christmas trees this year - equivalent to the weight of six rubbish lorries.

This is 33 times more than the amount which were recycled when the service started four years ago.

Manchester City Council is delighted with the response and has now committed to making sure every household across the city gets a door-to-door collection service next year.

Residents will be notified in December of the date on which they can leave their trees out for collection. Residents across the city recycled 4,922 trees this winter, which at an average weight of 20kg - according to figures from the British Christmas Tree Growers Association - came to a staggering 98.44 tonnes.

These were joined by trees which had been displayed in public areas such as parks, making the final weight 100.42 tonnes.

The trees were chipped by the council's clean teams and used as mulch and on pathways in the city's green spaces.

Collections were made in parks across the city, at Manchester City Football Club, Hulme Community Garden Centre and from residents who booked a home collection via the council's Environment On Call service.

Councillor Neil Swannick, Executive Member for Green Services, said: "We are delighted by this massive response, which proves that the city's residents are as enthusiastic about recycling as we are.

"To prove our commitment to this issue, we are now guaranteeing everyone in the city will benefit from the Christmas tree collection service next year."

Media contact:

Conrad Astley, tel 0161 234 4045