There are over 100 collection points for used Christmas trees around Stockholm. Despite that, many people choose to “foul dump” their fir elsewhere.
– I have about 40 piles to clear today, so it will take a while, says Mikael Jäderhag, garbage truck driver.
The first year that Jäderhag runs spruces – and he is not satisfied.
– I think it’s bad. If people could just find out where they can dump their Christmas tree, that would be great. Then I don’t have to go around looking for piles, he says.
“It’s boring – everyone only thinks about themselves”
Mikael Jäderhag says that the firs weigh a few kilos and that it is tiring work.
– Here you can physically throw the firs into the tub. And if you drive up to a thousand fir trees in one day, it takes a toll on your body.
Ten percent of all spruces are “completely dumped”, according to Stockholm Water and Waste.
– It’s boring. Clearly, someone has to do the job. But I think it’s bad that you just throw them in piles even though they shouldn’t be there. Everyone only thinks about themselves, that’s how it is most of the time.
Sinking firs into the water: “Good for the fish”
But there are other ways.
John Kärki, who is the project manager for fisheries conservation Sportfiskarna, sinks ecological firs into the water.
– We do this for the benefit of the perch and other fish. There will be good playgrounds and build-up areas for the fishermen, he says.
In Stockholm, it has been done for eight years. But Kärki tells us that it is an old Swedish tradition – precisely because it attracts a lot of fish.
– Trees are generally good for the fish. In this case, the perch can hang its roe and the fry can grow up in it.