City scraps Christmas tree collection

SPECIAL collection points for Christmas trees have been scrapped in Waterford because some unscrupulous people have abused the system over the years.

Householders are also being warned not to put their full tree out for collection with their brown, organic bin. Trees being thrown out should instead be brought to civic amenity sites in the county.

No special pick-up points have been set up this year and householders in the city should bring their disused Christmas trees to the composting facility at the Sixcrossroads - not the Kilbarry site.

In the county, old trees should be brought to any of the civic amenity sites established in Lismore, Tramore and Dungarvan.

Anyone disposing of their trees are advised that the shredding of trees is free of charge again this year. Anyone who attempts to put their tree out with the brown bin collection is advised that they will not be picked up as part of the refuse service.

The collection of Christmas trees has posed major problems each January, according to Director of Services with Waterford City Council, Michael Walsh.

“We tried everything we could to make things as simple as possible for people over the years. We had five or six collection points for people,” he said.

“But they created fierce problems for neighbours and were continuing to be used months after by some people. People dumped trees there outside of the time designated and then other refuse.

“We then tried to collect the trees with the brown bin. But despite an extensive advertising campaign, dropping leaflets to houses etc, there continued to be problems over the years.”

He said the message is simple - bring your tree to a composting plant where it will be properly managed. If someone does not have transport, they are urged to cut up their tree and put it into the brown bin.