Date: 22 Dec 2025
Donegal County Council and Loughs Agency Relaunch Christmas Tree Recycling Scheme as part of Climate Action Campaign
Donegal County Council is encouraging households to make this Christmas joyful and sustainable by recycling responsibly this festive season as part of its Christmas Climate Action Campaign.
Christmas is a time of giving but also a time when waste can spiral leading to a significant increase in packaging and food waste. By following the principles of Refuse, Rethink, Reduce, Reuse, Recycle, simple steps can greatly contribute towards a more environmentally sustainable future. Donegal County Council is encouraging households to embrace sustainable practices during the festive season to reduce waste and protect the environment.
Cathaoirleach of Donegal County Council, Cllr Paul Canning stated that “Our Climate Action Plan calls for strong public engagement in waste reduction. By recycling correctly this Christmas, every household in Donegal can play a part in cutting emissions and protecting our environment making a positive impact on our environment’.
Donegal County Council is reminding residents to ensure all packaging is clean, dry and loose in recycling bins, using the Re-turn Deposit Return Scheme for drinks containers, reusing decorations and avoiding single use plastics.
Donegal County Council and the Loughs Agency have announced the return of an innovative scheme that uses old natural Christmas trees to improve local rivers and waterways.
Donegal residents are encouraged to recycle their natural Christmas trees which will then be repurposed to stabilise riverbanks, reduce erosion and create habitats for wildlife.
Trees from last year’s pilot scheme are already being used as green engineering along the banks of the River Cummirk in Donegal.
Ciarán McGonigle, Director of Aquaculture and Shellfisheries at Loughs Agency said "We are thrilled to partner with Donegal County Council on this programme again and encourage residents throughout Donegal to get involved.
“We’re delighted that last year’s trees are now supporting healthier water quality on the Cummirk River, which is part of the River Finn Special Area of Conservation, designated for its important habitats and species including Atlantic salmon. It’s a fantastic outcome for all involved.
Lorraine Arbuckle, Climate Action Co-ordinator at Donegal County Council said "After the success of last year’s scheme, this is another fantastic opportunity for residents to give back to nature. Recycling trees responsibly is good for the environment as well as directly benefitting our local ecosystems."
“This initiative shows how simple actions can have a big impact. By recycling your natural Christmas tree, you are helping to protect our rivers, strengthen biodiversity and support climate resilience in Donegal. It’s a great way to give back to nature after the festive season.”
Residents can recycle their domestic Christmas trees free of charge at various locations throughout Donegal until January 24, making the scheme as accessible as possible. Loughs Agency and Donegal County Council encourage the community to recycle responsibly to ensure our rivers and waterways continue to thrive into the future.
The Christmas Recycling Campaign supports the Donegal Climate Action Plan 2024–2029, which sets out 139 actions to reduce emissions and promote a circular economy. Donegal is working toward climate neutrality by 2050 and small actions like recycling packaging and returning bottles during the festive season help to achieving that goal.
For more information on tree recycling locations and how you can contribute to this initiative, visit Donegal County Council’s website
