PEOPLE across Wirral and Merseyside are warned to dispose of their real Christmas trees responsibly this year – or risk a £400 fine.

Trees are traditionally taken down by January 6 on the Twelfth night as this is observed as the last day of Christmas festivities (the eve of the Epiphany).

But with many people putting theirs up earlier than usual this year, some are already keen to take the decoration down.

Deciding what to do with your real Christmas tree is often one of the biggest clean-up decisions.

Many may be tempted to dispose of the tree amongst bushes, scrub and other trees.

This is because a lot of people believe the Christmas tree is a natural resource and will therefore will turn into compost.

But leaving your real Christmas tree in any common land, including on top of your garden wall, is classed as fly-tipping, Wildings Solicitors warns.

Councils across Merseyside won’t hesitate to give those caught fly-tipping a fixed penalty notice of £400. And the maximum fine for the offence is £50,000, if convicted in a Magistrates Court.

Fortunately, there are a number of responsible ways to dispose of your tree.

All local recycling centres should take your tree (minus any decorations), but check with your local tip as you may need to book an appointment.

Wirral and Sefton Councils have not provided any information on drop-off points, but if you are still feeling festive and in the giving mood, there are a number of charities who will come and collect your Christmas tree in exchange for a donation.

Wirral Hospice is collecting trees from Friday, January 15.

Postcodes covered are: CH41, CH42, CH43, CH44, CH45, CH46, CH47, CH48, CH49, CH60, CH61, CH62, CH63, CH64, and the suggested donation is between £7 and £15 depending on the size of your tree.

You can book a collection at www.wirralhospice.org

There are also a number of drop off points in most of the region’s boroughs.

In Liverpool, these will operate from January 4-29, and can be found at: L4: Stanley Park car park (Arkles Lane)

L5: Everton Park, Viewing Platform, Netherfield Road North

L7: Newsham Park, Gardener’s Drive (Sheil Road end)

L8: Sefton Park, Review Field, Ullet Road Gate

L11: Croxteth Park, Oak Lane car park

L15: Wavertree Park, Tennis Centre car park

L17: Otterspool car park (the first car park)

L18: Calderstones Park, Calderstones Road car park

L18: Calderstones Park, Yew Tree Road car park

L19: Long Lane Recreation Ground, Garston

L24: Alderfield Road, Speke, by Millwood

L25: Woolton Road, Boys Club car park

St Helens offers a similar service between December 26 and January 11, at the following locations:

Sutton Park on Marina Avenue

Victoria Park on Bishop Road Sankey Valley Visitor Centre,

Blackbrook Road car park Mesnes Park,

Park Road North car park Taylor Park,

Grosvenor Road car park Moss Bank Road open space

In Knowsley, you can recycle your real Christmas trees between December 27 and January 10 at:

Halewood Park Stadt Moers Park, Whiston

Millbrook Park, Millennium Green, Kirkby

Court Hey Park, Huyton

Holy Family Social Club, Cronton.