Islanders have recycled 40% more natural Christmas trees in 2017 compared to 2016, latest figures have revealed.
This year, 2174 bookings were made to collect trees; which are then sent for composting, compared with 1530 bookings last year.
The town recycling the most Christmas trees was Cowes, with residents in the town making a total of 428 bookings. Ryde were second with 309 and Newport third with 284. Each of the towns significantly increased the amount of trees recycled compared to 2016, with Cowes residents almost doubling the amount of bookings made.
Executive member for major contracts management, Councillor Jon Gilbey, said:
“It’s been fantastic seeing so many residents using the Christmas tree collection service and choosing to recycle their trees in a responsible and environmentally friendly way.
“The increased awareness of residents has been phenomenal, when it comes to recycling and the environment. We are really pleased with the enthusiastic response from Island residents.”
Paul Southall, account director for Amey on the Isle of Wight, said:
“It is encouraging to see many more households use the free Christmas tree collection service this year.”
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Between 2nd January and 3rd February 2017, residents could book to have their unwanted natural Christmas trees collected for free on the kerbside as part of the waste service provided by the Isle of Wight Council, in partnership with Amey.
Following the recent approval of the 2017/2018 budget, Lynbottom Tip will be closing at 16:00 in the winter meaning the popularity of the Christmas tree kerbside collection could increase once again this coming Christmas.
