AUSTIN, Texas — Christmas is still ahead of us on the calendar, but once it's passed, real tree enthusiasts will be wondering what to do with their central decoration.
Luckily, the City of Austin offers a couple of options for tree recycling.
Starting on Dec. 26, City curbside customers can place all-natural trees curbside to be collected on their regularly scheduled composting collection day. Customers who chose to do this should set their tree out by 5:30 a.m. with all ornaments, decorations (including tinsel), lights and tree stands removed. Trees six feet or taller should be cut in half. Flocked trees will not be accepted, and all trees set out for recycling should not be placed in plastic bags.
Trees can also be dropped off at Zilker Park to be turned into mulch. Anyone can drop their tree off at the park, even if they are not Austin Resource Recovery customers. The same rules apply for trees dropped off at Zilker Park as trees set out for curbside collection.
The Parks and Recreation Department and Austin Resource Recovery will host three Holiday Tree Recycling events at the Zilker Park Polo Fields from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Saturday, Dec. 30; Saturday, Jan. 6; and Sunday, Jan. 7.
The City said the mulch produced from the recycled trees will be available for free on a first-come, first-served basis beginning Jan. 10 at 9 a.m. The date and time are subject to change due to weather. Anyone interested in the mulch should bring their own tools and storage containers for loading and transporting it.
The City said it has been recycling holiday trees for over 30 years. Learn more about its tree recycling services.
In addition to the options mentioned above, individual trees will be accepted free of cost at the following locations. However, a contamination fee will be added to any trees with tags, decorations and/or plastic.
- Del Valle Softball Complex
- Good Guys Tree Service
- Hornsby Bend Biosolids Management Plant
- Kinser Ranch LLC.
- Texas Disposal Systems
- Travis County West Service Center (will also accept bulk drop-off of 10 trees or more)
- Travis County East Service Center (will also accept bulk drop-off of 10 trees or more)
- Travis County Collection Center
- Whittlesey Landscape Supplies
These locations have varying fees: