As Christmas comes to an end and decorations start coming down, many Lane Cove households are left wondering what to do with their real Christmas tree.
The good news is that real Christmas trees can be recycled — but they need to be disposed of correctly to ensure they’re collected and processed as green waste rather than ending up in landfill.
Here are the approved and recommended ways to dispose of your real Christmas tree in Lane Cove.
Option 1: Use your green waste bin
Real Christmas trees can go into your green waste bin, provided they are prepared properly.
To ensure your bin is collected:
- Remove all decorations, tinsel, lights, hooks and stands
- Cut the tree into small sections (approximately 30cm lengths)
- Branches and trunk pieces must be no thicker than 10cm
- Place all pieces fully inside the green waste bin
- Ensure the bin lid can close completely
If the lid cannot close, the bin may not be collected.
⚠️ Common mistakes to avoid
Green waste bins may be left uncollected if:
- ❌ The tree is placed in the bin whole
- ❌ Branches or trunk pieces are sticking out of the bin
- ❌ The tree is placed next to the bin instead of inside it
- ❌ The tree is placed in general waste or recycling bins
- ❌ Decorations or plastic materials are left on the tree
Taking the time to cut the tree down properly helps ensure collection and reduces contamination.
Option 2: Drop-off at Lane Cove Council Depot
Lane Cove Council is offering a dedicated drop-off point for real Christmas trees at the Lane Cove Council Depot on Lloyd Rees Drive, Lane Cove West.
The drop-off area is located opposite the Lane Cove Scout Hall. Please note that trees must not be left in front of the depot.
Before dropping off your tree:
- Remove all decorations, tinsel, lights and hooks
- Place trees neatly in the designated pile
- Stack trees with the trunk facing towards the Scout Hall — this makes it easier to separate and feed them through the chipper
Conditions of drop-off:
- This service is for real Christmas trees only
- One tree per household
- No additional green waste will be accepted
- Proof of Lane Cove residency is required
- Please do not leave trees outside the designated area or dump them in or around the depot fence
Drop-off dates: From 7 January to 15 January 2026.
Last year, many locals combined trips by taking their own tree along with a neighbour’s or friend’s. If you’re heading down, it’s worth asking around to help others dispose of their tree too.
Taronga Zoo – No longer an Option
We used to advise people to drop off their Christmas Tree at Taronga Zoo. However, they told us they get inundated with trees and cannot keep up, so they asked us to advise people not to drop off their trees at Taronga.
Why disposing of your tree correctly matters
When real Christmas trees are disposed of properly, they are processed into mulch and compost, helping return nutrients to the soil and reducing landfill.
Incorrect disposal can contaminate recycling streams and lead to collections being rejected.
A final reminder
If you’re doing a post-Christmas tidy-up or decluttering over the holidays, dealing with your tree properly is a simple step toward a more sustainable festive season.
Artificial trees should not be placed in green waste bins and must be disposed of separately.
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