Running from now until 31 January 2026, Project reTREE is an initiative that aims to recycle artificial trees in Ireland for the first time.
Artificial trees without lights attached are often considered general waste at end-of-life, while artificial trees with lights attached are considered electronic waste, making both a significant environmental challenge for consumers and for the planet.
Now, though, a collaboration between Balsam Hill, Dún Laoghaire–Rathdown County Council, South Dublin County Council, WEEE Ireland, Thorntons Recycling, Panda and bring-centre teams, means that Dubliners can carry out responsible recycling.
A dedicated drop-off centre is now available in Dún Laoghaire-Rathdown at the Ballyogan Recycling Park. All artificial trees, regardless of brand, will be accepted free of charge.
David Duff of Thorntons Recycling said in a statement:
"Working together with DLRCC and SDCC, we are leveraging existing local collection infrastructure and transport systems to collect and prepare for recycling artificial Christmas trees.
"Leveraging technology that is already used to recycle Christmas light strings, Balsam Hill's knowledge of how to recycle artificial Christmas trees and their contacts with processing facilities in Europe are critical to the success of this pilot project.
"We hope that this pilot will serve as a roadmap for future waste management and encourage the development of recycling infrastructure for artificial Christmas trees in Ireland, the UK, in Europe, in the USA and beyond."
