How To Recycle Your Christmas Tree In West Yorkshire And Support The Sue Ryder Charity

The last of the Christmas chocolates are gone, the decorations are packed away, and that once magnificent real Christmas tree is starting to look a bit sorry for itself, dropping needles every time someone walks past. Figuring out what to do with it is one of those January jobs nobody really loves. But for residents in Airedale, Wharfedale, and the Dales, there’s an answer that’s simple, great for the environment, and supports an amazing local charity. The Sue Ryder Christmas Treecycling scheme is back, making the post-festive clear-up a whole lot easier and a lot more meaningful. It’s a chance to let your Christmas tree give one last gift by supporting people who need care and compassion.

What exactly is the Treecycling scheme?

Basically, it’s a brilliant way to get rid of your real Christmas tree without having to wrestle it into the back of your car. A team of friendly volunteers from Sue Ryder will come and pick up your tree right from your doorstep, garden, or driveway. No fuss, no mess, no pine needles stuck in your car for the next six months. It’s a completely hassle-free collection service.

This fantastic scheme is available for residents in a whole load of local postcodes. If you live in any of the following areas, you're in luck:

• All BD postcodes
• LA2
• LA6
• BB18
• LS29
• HX2
• HX3
• HX7

The collection dates are set for between the 6th and 19th of January 2026, giving you plenty of time to get the baubles off. The whole point of the scheme is to make life easier for local residents while providing vital fundraising for the charity’s work. This initiative really does take the stress out of the new year tidy-up.

More than just recycling a tree

This isn’t just about convenience. When you sign up for the Treecycling collection, you’re doing two good deeds at once. First, you’re helping the planet. Every single tree collected is 100% recycled. Instead of ending up in landfill, the trees are turned into useful things like compost or wood chippings, which are then used in local parks and woodlands. Sometimes they’re even used to generate green energy. It’s a much better end for your festive fir.

Second, and most importantly, you’re supporting the incredible work of Sue Ryder. The collection is run in exchange for an optional donation. That donation goes directly towards helping Sue Ryder provide its specialist palliative care and bereavement support to people across the country. This includes the amazing team at the local Sue Ryder Manorlands Hospice. So, your old Christmas tree helps provide comfort, care, and support to people and their families during the most difficult moments of life.

The real difference your tree can make

It’s easy to wonder how much difference one Christmas tree can really make, but it all adds up in a big way. The fundraising from this simple scheme is huge for the charity.

Andrew Wood, the Fundraising Manager at Sue Ryder Manorlands Hospice, explained just how much of an impact it has:

“Last year our Christmas Treecycling services in Airedale, Wharfedale the Dales saved 2,846 trees from landfill, raising £42,500 for Sue Ryder, helping more people than ever to access our specialist care and support.”

That’s an incredible amount of money raised just from recycling trees! It shows what a community can do when it comes together. The support from this scheme helps ensure that people dealing with a life-limiting illness or coping with grief don’t have to do it alone. It funds expert nursing care in the hospice and provides crucial bereavement support for families struggling after a loss. Just think, someone like Olivia who is going through a tough time might get the support she needs because of this scheme.

“By choosing to recycle your real tree with an optional donation to Sue Ryder, your Christmas tree could become the gift of expert care, advice and compassion so that no one faces death or grief alone,” Andrew added.

The community team making it all happen

An operation this big needs a lot of support, and the Christmas Treecycling scheme is a real community effort. The amazing volunteers give up their time in January to drive around collecting thousands of trees, but they aren't the only ones helping out.

This year’s scheme is kindly sponsored by Beyondly and supported by Skipton Self Drive and Keighley Tree Services. Having local businesses on board makes a huge difference. Melanie Harper from Beyondly explained why they got involved:

“We are thrilled to support the Sue Ryder Treecycling campaign. At Beyondly, we believe in making a difference by donating a portion of our profits each year through our Fund for Change. Through our grant-giving process, we select charities that address vital environmental, social, and governance issues important to our stakeholders. We’re excited to see the positive impact this project will have — raising vital funds while helping to protect our environment.”

It’s fantastic to see local companies helping a charity that provides such important care and bereavement support to so many people.

How to get your collection sorted

Ready to book your collection? It’s really simple, but the key thing to remember is that there is limited capacity. This scheme is super popular, so it’s a good idea to book your slot early to avoid disappointment. You can get everything organised well before Christmas, which is one less thing to think about!

Here are the important details you need to know:

• What: Sue Ryder's Christmas Treecycling Scheme
• When are collections: 6th – 19th January 2026
• Booking Deadline: Midday on 5th January 2026
• Where to book: Visit www.sueryder.org/treedales to reserve your collection.

If you have any questions about the collection, you can get in touch with the fundraising team at Sue Ryder Manorlands Hospice. Just give them a call on 01535 640430 or send an email to manorlands.fundraising@sueryder.org. Signing up is a win-win: you get a tidy garden and help a wonderful charity continue its vital work providing support to people through grief and illness.