The new year has begun, and with the end of the holidays the question arises: what happens to the Christmas trees? Municipalities throughout the Netherlands are calling on their residents to help collect them and are rewarding them in creative ways.
Cleaning up Christmas trees together
After the holidays, Christmas trees are collected in many municipalities. This is not only to keep the streets clean, but also to give the trees a useful second destination. Each municipality tackles this in its own way:
- Compensation per tree: In municipalities such as Westland and Amersfoort, residents receive 50 cents per tree that is handed in. Children in Edam-Volendam receive a lottery ticket per tree with which prizes can be won. Other municipalities, such as Velsen and Zoetermeer, combine cash amounts with the chance of winning prizes, including a Nintendo Switch.
- Unique initiatives: In Halderberge, residents are encouraged to take a photo of their donated tree. These photos are used for social media and other communication tools. In Barneveld, associations, schools and churches can become a collection point, for which they receive compensation.
- Useful collection points: Many municipalities offer the possibility to hand in trees at recycling centers, supermarkets or special collection points. Some municipalities, such as Westland and Almere, even collect large quantities of trees.
Christmas trees as raw material
Once collected, Christmas trees are often given a new destination. They are processed into compost or biomass:
- Compost for the city: In Amsterdam, branches and needles, which make up the largest part of the tree, are processed into compost. This compost is used in city parks and other green areas.
- Energy from biomass: The trunks of the trees are often used in biomass power plants, where they supply energy for district heating.
- Wide applications: In Woerden, the trees are shredded and used as ground cover, bedding, compost or even cat litter.
More sustainable choices
More and more municipalities are encouraging residents to think about sustainable Christmas trees. Utrecht recommends renting or adopting a tree, or opting for a second-hand or artificial tree. For those who want to get rid of an old artificial tree, Ouder-Amstel advises taking it to the thrift shop or handing it in at the environmental depot.
A step towards sustainability
The Christmas tree collection shows how waste can become a valuable resource. By making conscious choices and actively contributing to recycling, municipalities and residents are taking steps towards a circular economy. This way, 2025 will not only start fresh, but also green!
Source: Gemeente.nu
