Where to put my Christmas tree - and what happens to it? - Germany’s strict January rules for disposing of Christmas trees revealed
Many German cities are still collecting Christmas trees in mid-January, but strict rules apply. Residents must remove all decorations, tinsel, and stands before putting their trees out. Those left with ornaments will not be taken away.
Collection dates differ across neighbourhoods and cities. Jena’s service runs until January 16, matching regular bio-waste pickup from January 12 to 16. Offenbach also ends on January 16, though some areas may face a one- or two-day delay. Pickup there follows a schedule: PLZs 63065/67 on January 12, 63069 on January 13, 63071 on January 14, 63075 on January 15, and 63073 on January 16. Paderborn, meanwhile, collects trees until January 16 across all districts. Other cities, like Salzgitter, have already finished, while Waltrop started on January 6 with no confirmed end date.
Once collected, trees are repurposed in several ways. Some go to biomass power plants for energy production. Others are shredded and spread on farmland as soil conditioner. Shredded material can also be composted into potting soil or used as green fuel in biomass heating. Residents with the means can compost their own trees at home. Not all trees qualify for pickup. Some cities enforce size limits, and any tree with remaining decorations will be left behind. Those who miss the collection can still drop off their trees for free at local recycling centres.
The collected trees will either generate energy or improve soil quality. Residents should check their city’s specific rules and deadlines to ensure proper disposal. Free recycling centre drop-offs remain an option for anyone who misses the scheduled pickup.
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