The magical, twinkling glow of the Christmas tree can become an unbelievably depressing sight in the cold light of January once all the presents are unwrapped and pine needles are littering the carpet.

Step outside your house after Twelfth Night, and chances are the pavements will also be strewn with festive detritus, as already spotted by these locals:

Just watched a guy come out of Alexandra Mansions with his kids to dump their Christmas tree in the Green. Great Parenting! @WHampstead

— Anna-Kate Keays (@AnnaKateKeays) January 1, 2014

@WHampstead I saw my first dumped Christmas tree today on Iverson Rd. It looked like a triffid that was down on its luck.

— Mark Marfe (@TibuDelMar) January 2, 2014

How and where can you dispose of your Christmas tree responsibly? Just take it to one of Camden’s recycling drop-off points (full list here) between now and 16th January.

There are two in NW6: one on Fortune Green, and one at Kilburn Grange Park (Messina Avenue). There’s also a drop-off point on Netherhall Gardens if you’re the Finchley Road side of West Hampstead. On estates there might be a drop-off point too – check with the estate manager.

For one Fortune Green resident, Christmas tree ennui must have kicked in early, as captured in this snap by @photografter

According to Camden’s website, Christmas trees will be recycled into paper, packaging and compost. A much more fitting end than carpeting the #whamp pavements.