Austin Residents Can Recycle Christmas Trees

News Summary

As the festive season concludes, Austin and Travis County residents are reminded to recycle their natural Christmas trees starting December 26, 2023. Options for tree recycling include curbside collection for curbside customers and drop-off at Zilker Park. Trees must be free of ornaments, and those over six feet should be cut in half. Additional drop-off locations are available for Travis County residents. Free mulch will be offered starting January 8, 2024. Don’t forget to recycle holiday lights and wrapping paper responsibly.

Get Ready to Recycle Your Christmas Trees in Austin

As the festive season winds down, residents in Austin and Travis County are reminded that it’s time to bid farewell to their beloved Christmas trees! Starting from December 26, 2023, local families can easily recycle their natural Christmas trees with several convenient options available.

Curbside Collection Made Easy

For those who are curbside customers, just place your Christmas tree at the curb on your regular collection day, and your tree will be taken away. Just remember to have it out there by 5:30 a.m. to ensure it gets picked up. Only the trees that are natural and free from decorations can be recycled, so be sure to remove any ornaments, tinsel, lights, or tree stands before placing it at the curb.

Tree Size Matters

If your Christmas tree is over six feet tall, you’ll need to cut it in half for collection. Additionally, trees that have been sprayed with artificial snow (also known as flocking) will not be accepted. Remember, putting your tree in a plastic bag is a no-go, too!

Drop-Off Options at Zilker Park

Not keen on curbside pickup? That’s okay! You can also drop off your all-natural Christmas tree at Zilker Park. The park will hold the 38th Annual Holiday Tree Recycling event on specified days between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m.. All trees collected here will be transformed into mulch—a wonderful way to recycle!

Free Mulch Available!

Speaking of mulch, if you’ve ever wanted some for your garden, you’re in luck! Starting from January 8 at 9 a.m., free mulch will be available on a first-come, first-served basis. Just drop by and grab what you need while supplies last.

Travis County Residents Have Options Too!

Now, if you live in Travis County, you have additional drop-off locations available for recycling Christmas trees. From December 26 through January 12, residents can drop off their trees at five locations including:

West Service Center
Del Valle Adult Softball Complex
Northeast Metro Park
1431 Collection Center
East Service Center

The drop-off hours at these centers are from 7:00 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.

Don’t Forget About Holiday Lights!

If you’re looking to recycle holiday lights that are no longer working, take them to the Recycle and Reuse Drop-off Center located at 2514 Business Center Drive in Travis County. They also accept packaging materials such as Styrofoam and cardboard, making it an excellent resource for all your recycling needs.

Recycling Paper Products

When it comes to wrapping paper and cardboard, just toss them in your blue single-stream recycling cart. However, make sure any glitter or foil-wrapped paper goes in the trash. And remember, if you have Styrofoam, either bring it to the Recycle & Reuse Drop-Off Center or make sure it’s sealed in a bag before disposal.

Appointments Required

Planning to drop off items at the Recycle & Reuse Drop-Off Center? Don’t forget that appointments are required for this service. More information can be found on the city’s website, ensuring everything goes smoothly during your visit.

So, as you take down the twinkly lights and decorate your home for the New Year, don’t forget about recycling your Christmas tree! It’s an easy way to keep our beautiful city green and clean. Got your plans sorted? Happy recycling!