Christmas recycling could save London ‘millions of pounds’

Over the festive season it is estimated that London will generate an extra 29,000 tonnes of household rubbish, mainly from glass bottles, tin foil, Christmas trees and wrapping paper.

This year every London borough will offer a Christmas tree recycling service. The Greater London Authority plans to chip the Trafalgar Square Christmas tree for recycling in January and use the chippings as fertiliser.

Campaign group Recycle for London, which is backed by the Mayor, is urging all residents to ensure they recycle all they can at home, including any leftover food waste.

Boris Johnson said: “London’s borough councils provide a range of services to ensure the capital’s forest of discarded Christmas trees and acres of wrapping paper can be recycled rather than chucked in the bin.

“Taking a little extra time to recycle your festive waste is not only good for the environment, but can help save local councils millions of pounds at a time when every penny counts.”

Maxine Perella