Root out waste: save your trees

Don't just ditch your Christmas tree this year. It's an awful waste and the Environmental Protection Department has set up a recycling program.

Many people now buy real Christmas trees and to prevent rubbish and encourage reuse, the department will launch this year's Natural Christmas Trees Recycling Program.

It will extend the collection period from four days to five days to get people involved from January 4 to 8.

You can take your trees to the central collection point YPARK in Tuen Mun, and 15 district collection points: five on Hong Kong Island, three in Kowloon and seven in the New Territories.

The program is limited to the recycling of natural Christmas trees, and all lighting, plastic stands, decorations and tape should be removed to help recycling.

You are also encouraged to replant small potted plants such as poinsettias, and keep artificial Christmas trees and other festive decorations for reuse to help reduce waste and conserve resources.