ESB collects discarded Christmas trees

The Bocholt waste disposal and service company (ESB) will be collecting discarded Christmas trees in the city from 9 to 15 January 2026. The collection begins in the outlying districts and continues throughout the city the following week. The collected trees are then sent for professional composting.

Christmas tree collection will start on Friday, 9 January 2026 in the outer areas of collection district 5. In all other districts, collection will take place the following week on the regular collection day for the organic waste bin. As the trees are loaded by a separate vehicle and not from the organic waste bin lorry, the ESB asks all citizens not to block the organic waste bins with the trees they have put out. Christmas trees must be clearly visible on the street by 6.00 a.m. at the latest on the day of collection. This also applies to properties that are usually only approached by the waste collection service at a later time, as the route planning for the Christmas trees may vary.

To ensure a smooth process and high-quality processing into compost, a few guidelines must be observed. The trees must not be deposited between hedges, behind fences or on private property such as driveways and garage yards, but must be placed directly next to the road. In order to guarantee the quality of the resulting compost, it is essential that all non-compostable components such as jewellery, tinsel, fairy lights or plastic nets are completely removed.

Furthermore, the ESB only accepts trees without root balls. If a root ball is present, it must be sawn off; the root ball itself can be disposed of in your own organic waste bin without a net. With regard to size, a maximum length of 2.50 metres applies. Larger trees must be shortened accordingly before being made available. After collection, any remaining debris on the pavement, such as needles, should be removed by the residents.

If you would like to dispose of the tree before the official date or leave it for longer, you can alternatively hand it in at the recycling centre. If you have any questions, please call the waste advice centre on 02871 953 34 34.