Christmas Tree Recycling: Our history, environmental impact and tale of the recycled trees?

The Tree Recycling campaign began over 13 years ago in the Ashford Borough Council area, thanks to a group of dedicated hospice volunteers, who are still pivotal in supporting the Ashford campaign today. Then in 2022, the charity ‘branched’ out to cover Canterbury City Council and Thanet District Council areas; as well as hosting a drop-off station in Faversham with ‘tree-rific’ success. Since its inception, the charity has collected over 20,000 trees, raised more than £368,000, and prevented over 320 tonnes of CO₂e from entering the atmosphere.

A Greener Way to Give

This incredible impact wouldn’t be possible without the continued support of our local communities and volunteers, whose bright idea ‘grew’ into a campaign that has more than 100 volunteers involved each year, helping to raise vital funds ensuring we can be there for those who need us. Thanks to the incredible generosity of local businesses and volunteers who donate their time, vehicles and facilities, in 2025 we were able to collect over 4,200 Christmas trees, preventing more than 67 tonnes of CO₂e from entering the atmosphere. Instead of going to a landfill and releasing harmful methane, the trees are recycled.

The Second Life of Christmas Trees

Our collections are carefully planned using digital mapping software, allowing us to design the most efficient routes. This reduces travel distances, maximises household collections, and lowers our overall carbon footprint. Once collected, trees are taken to our Canterbury or Thanet hospice sites, where they’re chipped and repurposed for environmental landscaping across east Kent. Some of the chippings are even used within our own hospice grounds, while others are donated to local composting projects or animal rescue centres. Whilst in Ashford, once your tree has been collected by our volunteer elves, it's then either taken to the Cobbs Wood Recycling Centre, Ashford. From there, the trees are then taken to an outlet at Blaise Farm in West Malling where they're chipped and composted within a covered building system. The compost produced is then used for agricultural purposes as a soil improver.

Every tree continues to do good long after the decorations come down. Giving your tree a second life in the most sustainable way. It’s a simple act with a powerful impact.

Whilst helping to support the charity, you will be reducing your environmental impact too! So, as you can see, your tree's onward journey is far more valuable than just being put out after Christmas, you are helping us to take care of the planet and our patients one tree at a time.