Real Christmas Tree collection and recycling
In addition to real Christmas trees being taken to either of the Household Waste Recycling Centres (HWRCs), there are also three options for recycling Christmas trees this year.
Please ensure all artificial decorations are removed (including a base or pot) so the trees can be successfully composted.
Request a tree collection
You can arrange for your real Christmas tree to be collected by completing a 'request collection' form, available from Friday 2 January. After you submit the form, you will receive confirmation of the date to place your tree at the edge of your property. Please make sure it is out from 7am on your allocated day.
If you have completed the request form, and your tree is missed, please complete the form again.
Garden waste subscribers
If you have an active Garden Waste subscription, you can put your real Christmas tree in your Garden Waste bin. From Tuesday 13 January 2026, you can present it on your normal collection day. Please cut the tree into smaller pieces so it fits in the bin, and make sure all decorations are removed. Note: Garden Waste collections are suspended from 22 December 2025 to 12 January 2026. No bins will be collected during this time.
Tree drop off points
Real Christmas trees can be taken to several drop off locations across the City on these dates:
- Monday 29 December 2025 to Wednesday 31 December 2025
- Friday 2 January 2026
- Monday 5 January 2026 to Friday 9 January 2026
- Monday 12 January 2026 to Friday 16 January 2026.
Only available between 9:00am and 3:00pm (Our contractor, Suez, will have staff at each site between these times and on these dates to take your tree).
- drop off location are not available on a Saturday, Sunday or New Year's Day
- look for signage at the delivery point
- please remove all artificial decorations from your tree.
Site Locations are:
Belfairs Park, Leigh-on-Sea, SS9 4LR
Delivery Point: Car Park on right hand side of narrow single track leading to Essex Wildlife Trust Belfairs Nature Discovery Centre.
Access: Entrance on corner of junction between Eastwood Road and Eastwood Road North, head towards Discovery Centre, car park on right hand side.
Chalkwell Park, SS0 8NL
Delivery Point: Far left hand corner of Car Park at entrance off of Chalkwell Avenue.
Access: Entrance off Chalkwell Avenue, on right side if heading towards the seafront. Head into car park and far left hand side.
Priory Park, SS2 6NB
Delivery Point: Car Park on right hand side of main entrance road (leading to Bowling Green, Café and Museum).
Access: Entrance on the left, on Victoria Avenue, half way between Cuckoo Corner roundabout and junction with Fairfax Drive. Head towards Café, car park on right hand side.
Southchurch Park (East), SS1 2XE
Delivery Point: Car Park on right hand side of entrance road (note Southchurch Park East not Southchurch Park).
Access: Height barrier 2.1m in place. Entrance on Lifstan Way, on left if heading to Seafront. Head into Park on entrance road, car park on right hand side.
Shoeburyness Park, SS3 9SF
Delivery Point: Car Park at Elm Road entrance.
Access: Entrance off Elm Road, car park immediately at entrance of Park.
Shoeburyness Common (South), SS3 9HG
Delivery Point: Far right side corner of Car Park at Uncle Toms Cabin.
Access: Entrance on Shoebury Common Road, head into car park at Uncle Toms Cabin and go too far right hand corner.
Charity 'real' Christmas tree collections
Our contractor, Suez, is partnering with Havens Hospice again this year.
You can make a booking for your real Christmas tree to be collected on the 9th, 10th, or 12th January 2026. To make a booking, please visit: havenshospices.org.uk/trees
Bookings must be made by Sunday 4 January 2026, and a donation is requested.
You can arrange for your real Christmas tree to be collected by completing a 'request collection' form, available from Friday 2 January. After you submit the form, you will receive confirmation of the date to place your tree at the edge of your property. Please make sure it is out from 7:00am on your allocated day.