Residents who shunned fake Christmas trees are being urged to recycle their real ones for free at council collection points.
Two drop-off zones are open until Sunday 12 January so the firs can be shredded into mulch for use in Erewash Borough Council parks and on paths.
One collection point is in the car park of Long Eaton’s West Park Leisure Centre. The other is at Ilkeston’s Rutland Recreation Ground – in the car park next to the fire station.
The drop-off points opened not a moment too soon for some residents fed up with falling needles.
Decorations are traditionally taken down on Twelfth Night – which is on Sunday 5 January. But by December 27 – the day after Boxing Day – around a dozen sorry-looking trees had been left at the Long Eaton site.
Councillor Mark Alfrey, who is Ilkeston’s Lead Member for Environment, said:
“We may not have enjoyed a white Christmas – but we can certainly help to make it a green one. The recycling points are free – and make it easy for residents to do their bit for the environment.”
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