Six million Christmas trees were sold in the UK last year but just 50,000 of them were recycled.

This year environmental charities are hoping the number recycled can be dramatically increased to save landfill space. Trees can be shredded into wood chippings, used as an environmentally-friendly base for children's playgrounds and forest paths.

Barnet Council is offering a free collection and recycling service across the borough on January 4, 7, 11, 14, 18, and 21.

Trees should be taken to Mill Hill Park in Daws Lane, Mill Hill; Oak Hill Park in Parkside Gardens, East Barnet; Edgwarebury Park in Edgwarebury Lane, Edgware and West Hendon playing fields in Cool Oak Lane, West Hendon.

The council's recycling centre in Summers Lane, North Finchley, will also be open throughout the New Year, apart from Bank Holidays.

Wyevale Garden Centre in Dancers Hill Road, Bentley Heath, just north of Monken Hadley, is also offering free Christmas tree recycling.

Efforts are also being made to recycle some of the one billion Christmas cards sent this year. Branches of Tesco and WHSmith will be collecting cards, organised by the Woodland Trust, from today.

Meanwhile, Hertsmere Council is offering their residents a compost bin for just £10, instead of the normal price of £49.95 to convert organic kitchen waste into nutritious compost. Call 0800 316 4464 to take advantage of this offer.

December 31, 2001 14:34