Retailer Dille & Kamille sells ‘holy soil’ compost made from in-store Christmas trees

Over the last holiday season, retailer Dille & Kamille decorated its stores with sustainably sourced Christmas trees. Some were purchased as living trees and replanted once the festive trimmings came down. Those without rootballs are now returning to the earth via a different route: as compost.

In January 2023, upcycling startup Het Grondstoffenbos collected 15,000 trees from Dille & Kamille and local municipalities. Other plant waste was added, too — mostly grass and leaves. The mixture was left to decompose for a number of months before being bagged up.

Now, the resulting compost is making its way back to Dille & Kamille stores as a soil amendment for potted plants and gardens. The product is being marketed as Heilige Grond or 'Holy Soil.' Each 10-liter bag contains the remains of approximately two Christmas trees and is priced at EUR 7.95.