A FREE Christmas tree recycling scheme is taking place across the county once the festive celebrations are over.

Bucks residents are being encouraged to go green by taking the environmentally friendly way of getting rid of their trees after the tinsel and baubles have been put away.

A total of four garden centres around the Wycombe district area will be shredding trees between Saturday January 5 and Sunday 20, while three other locations in Chiltern and South Bucks are also accepting them.

The garden centres involved are Notcutts Garden Centre in Clay Lane, Booker, Studley Green Garden Store in Wycombe Road, Studley Green, Marlow Garden Centre in Pump Lane South, Little Marlow, and Bourne End Garden Centre in Hedsor Road.

Recycling is also taking place in Moor Road, Chesham, from 10am-5pm on Saturday 5 and Sunday 6 January and at the same times at the Hervines Park Depot in Amersham the following week.

South Bucks residents can take their trees to the Stoke Poges Memorial Centre in Church Lane from 10am-4pm on Wednesday 2, Friday 3 and from Monday 7-Friday 11.

Alternatively trees can be taken to your nearest Household Waste and Recycling Centre for composting - along with cards, boxes, batteries, household electrical items and glass. Find your nearest recycling centre by visiting www.buckscc.gov.uk/sites/bcc/waste/household_waste_and_recycling_centres.page

Steven Adams, Buckinghamshire County Council's Cabinet Member for the Environment, said: "Not only is the recycling service being offered free of charge, it’s a far more convenient and environmentally friendly way of disposing of your tree."