The needles are dropping, the fairy lights are looking a bit sad, and Twelfth Night (Monday, Jan 5th) is just around the corner.
It is officially time to take the tree down. But before you drag it into the garden to rot, or worse, fly-tip it in a layby (please don’t be that person), you need a plan. Stratford-upon-Avon has several easy ways to dispose of your real fir tree responsibly this year.
✅ The 30-Second Summary
- Best Option: The Shakespeare Hospice Charity Collection (Book ASAP).
- DIY Option: Burton Farm Recycling Centre (Booking essential).
- Lazy Option: Your Green Bin (If you have a subscription and a saw).
Here is everything you need to know about getting rid of your tree in January 2026.
This is the “feel-good” option. Once again, The Shakespeare Hospice is running its fantastic tree collection service. Volunteers will drive around collecting trees from driveways in return for a donation to the hospice.
The Details:
- Collection Dates: Friday Jan 9th – Sunday Jan 11th, 2026.
- Area Covered: CV37 (Stratford), plus Alcester, Bidford, and surrounding villages.
- Cost: A suggested donation (usually around £10–£15).
- Deadline: Registration usually closes mid-week, so you need to be quick.
If you have a car big enough—and you don’t mind vacuuming pine needles out of the boot for the next six months—you can take it to the tip yourself.
Burton Farm Recycling Centre is open, but remember: appointments are still required. Do not just turn up, or you will be turned away at the gate.
- Location: Burton Farm, Bishopton, CV37 0RW.
- Booking: You can usually book a slot for the same day if you check the website early in the morning (around 8:00 AM).
- Tip: Strip the tree of all decorations, tinsel, and the plastic base before you go. It goes in the “Green Waste” skip.
If you subscribe to the Stratford District Council garden waste service (the green bin), you can put your tree in there, but there are strict rules.
- Chop it up: The tree must be cut into pieces that fit fully inside the bin.
- Lid closed: If the lid is propped open by a branch, the bin men likely won’t take it.
- No trunks: If the trunk is thicker than your wrist (approx 10cm), it might be too heavy/thick for the truck’s crusher.
Note: Garden waste collections were suspended over Christmas but should be resuming their normal schedule from Monday, Jan 5th. Check your calendar!
⚠️ A Warning on Bonfires
It might be tempting to throw the tree on a bonfire in the garden, especially if it’s cold out. However, fresh pine trees are full of sap and moisture. Burning them creates thick, acrid smoke that will annoy your neighbours and isn’t great for air quality.
