How to recycle Christmas trees in Wolverhampton

Compton Care's deputy CEO James Elliott with City of Wolverhampton councillor Bhupinder Gakhal to relaunch the Treecycling scheme, which is in its fifth year

People living in Wolverhampton are being urged to recycle Christmas trees for charity.

Compton Care's Treecycling scheme has fundraised for its palliative care and bereavement support for the past five years.

Community and events fundraiser Sally Woods said 500 trees had been collected last year, raising £8,000 for the charity.

They are then shredded and turned into biofuel, used as compost by local farmers.

City of Wolverhampton Council, which is no longer operating its own tree recycling scheme, is providing logistical help and volunteers for the first time this year.

Councillor Bhupinder Gakhal said: "Compton cared for a family member in his final days and I can't thank them enough for everything they did."

The charity partners with a national tree collection to deliver its service, organised by JustHelping.

"You'll be easily disposing of your tree in an environmentally-friendly way and your donation will help us to care for local people and their families," Ms Woods added.

How do I recycle my tree?

People can register real trees for collection in advance via JustHelping, with collections to be booked by 9 January.

Those signing up are asked to remove decorations, take trees out of pots or bases and place them outside by 08:00 GMT on 11 January.

Trees will be collected the same or following day.

Anyone who misses the registration deadline can take their tree to a drop-off point at Compton Hall on 11 or 12 January between 10:00 and 14:00.

Where will trees be collected from?

Volunteers from C&W Commercial, Wolverhampton Tree Services and the council will collect trees from anyone living in WV, DY3, WS2, 3, 6 and 10 postcodes.

The tree must be visible from the road and can only be picked up from driveways or pavements.

How much does it cost?

There is no fixed fee, but a minimum donation of £15 is suggested by the charity.

Volunteers collecting on the day are unable to accept money, but those dropping off at Compton Hall can pay by cash or card.

Multiple trees can be collected if they have been registered at the time of booking.