Where can I recycle my Christmas tree in Central Texas?

AUSTIN, Texas – Now that the Christmas holiday is over, many must be wondering what to do with their trees.

Below is information on where and how you can recycle your holiday tree.

City of Austin

The city of Austin has two options for recycling your Christmas tree: curbside collection or drop-off.

City curbside customers can recycle their trees starting on Thursday, Dec. 26. Residents should set out their trees by 5:30 a.m. on their composting collection day.

All Austinites can drop off their trees, wreaths and garlands for recycling at Zilker Park, even if they are not Austin Resource Recovery customers.

What to know:

Only natural trees will be accepted for recycling; However, trees sprayed with flocking or artificial snow will not be accepted.

Residents should remove all ornaments, decorations, tinsel, lights and tree stands. Wreaths and garlands should be removed from wire frames.

When recycling, do not place trees in bags. If recycling through curbside, all trees six feet or taller should be cut in half.

Drop off times:

If you choose to drop off your tree at Zilker Park, drop off is available between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. on the following:

• Saturday, Dec. 28
• Saturday, Jan. 4
• Sunday, Jan. 5

For more information on City of Austin tree recycling, click here.

Travis County

Travis County residents can drop off their holiday trees for free at four locations across the county from Thursday, Dec. 26 through Friday, Jan. 10.

Drop-off locations:

• West Service Center: 4501 FM 620, Austin, TX 78732
• Del Valle Adult Softball Complex: 3614 FM 973, Del Valle, TX 78617
• 1431 Collection Station: 2625 Woodall Dr, Leander, TX 78613
• East Service Center: 6011 Blue Bluff Austin, TX 78724

Only natural trees will be accepted. Residents must remove all ornaments, decorations, lights, tree stands, nails, staples and metal. Trees sprayed with flocking or artificial snow will not be accepted.

Residents should not place their tree in a “tree bag” or any plastic bag and trees taller than six feet must be cut in half.

Anyone looking to recycle holiday lights can drop them off at the Recycle and Reuse Drop-off Center located at 2514 Business Center Dr. Residents can also drop off holiday packaging there, including Styrofoam and cardboard.

Williamson County

County residents can dispose of their holiday trees for free at the Williamson County Landfill in Hutto from Thursday, Dec. 26 to Saturday, Jan. 4.

Residents must remove all lights and ornaments before taking their tree to the landfill. Flocked trees will not be accepted.

Holiday hours for recycling:

• Thursday, Dec. 26 and Friday, Dec. 27: 5 a.m. to 5 p.m.
• Saturday, Dec. 28: 6 a.m. to 3 p.m.
• Monday, Dec. 30 and Tuesday, Dec. 31: 5 a.m. to 5 p.m.
• Wednesday, Jan 1: Closed
• Thursday, Jan. 2 and Friday, Jan. 3: 5 a.m. to 5 p.m.
• Saturday, Jan. 4: 6 a.m. to 3 p.m.

For more information, residents can call 512-759-8881.