When you’re ready to pack up your holiday decorations, don’t just throw away your Christmas tree — give it another life by recycling it! City of Austin curbside customers can recycle holiday trees by leaving them at the curb on regular collection days, and all other residents can drop trees off at Zilker Park.

Photo from the Austin Recycles Facebook page


— Curbside Recycling:
City of Austin curbside customers can easily recycle their trees by leaving them at the curb. Of course, you must remove all decorations and stands from trees. Note that trees with flocking (artificial snow) are not accepted. Set out your tree by 6:30 a.m. on your composting or yard trimmings collection day. Trees over six feet should be cut in half. Do not place tree in a plastic bag.

— Drop-off Recycling: Even if you are not a City of Austin customer, you can drop off trees for recycling at Zilker Park. Trees with flocking (artificial snow) are not accepted, and you must remove all decorations and stands prior to arrival. Of course, remember to wear you mask or face covering for drop off.

You can plan to drop off trees between 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on the following dates:

  • Saturday, January 2, 2021
  • Sunday, January 3, 2021
  • Saturday, January 9, 2021
  • Sunday, January 10, 2021

— Free Mulch! The Trees collected at Zilker Park will be turned into mulch, and will be available for free on a first-come, first-served basis beginning January 14, 20201 at 9 a.m. Please wear your mask or face covering and bring your own tools and storage containers for loading and transporting the mulch.

 

Photo from the Austin Recycles Facebook page

More Places to Drop Trees: The following locations are also accepting individual trees, free of charge. If you have questions about dropping off multiple trees, please contact directly.

For more information about Austin’s Recycling programs, please visit Austin Resource Recovery’s website to learn about a wide range of services designed to transform waste into resources while keeping our community clean. Visit AustinRecycles.com for a wealth of tips!