At a Glance
- Austin opens curbside pickup for Christmas trees starting Dec. 26.
- Trees up to six feet can be left on the curb; taller ones must be halved.
- Drop-offs also accepted at Zilker Park on Dec. 28 and Jan. 3 for free mulch.
Why it matters: Residents can dispose of holiday trees sustainably and receive free mulch for gardens, reducing landfill waste.
After the holiday season, Austin residents can turn their real Christmas trees into useful mulch or compost. The city’s Resource Recovery department will collect trees from curbside or drop-off locations, turning them into green material for public use.
How to Recycle Your Tree
Curbside pickup is available on the city’s regular composting collection day.
- Place the tree by the curb on the scheduled day, beginning Dec. 26.
- Cut trees six feet or taller in half before placing them.
- Remove all ornaments, lights, tinsel, stands, and any artificial snow.
- Natural wreaths and garlands may be left on the curb, but wire frames must be removed.
Drop-Off Options
Trees, wreaths, and garlands can be delivered to Zilker Park during specific windows.
- Dec. 28 (Sunday): 10 a.m. - 2 p.m.
- Jan. 3 (Saturday): 10 a.m. - 2 p.m.
All collected items are turned into mulch, available for free starting 9 a.m. on Jan. 8 on a first-come, first-served basis.
| Location | Date | Time |
|---|---|---|
| Curbside | Dec. 26 | City’s compost day |
| Zilker Park | Dec. 28 | 10 a.m. - 2 p.m. |
| Zilker Park | Jan. 3 | 10 a.m. - 2 p.m. |
What happens to the trees? They are repurposed into mulch or compost for public use, helping to reduce waste and support local green spaces.
Key Takeaways
- Dec. 26 marks the start of curbside tree pickup.
- Trees over six feet must be halved; ornaments and artificial snow are not accepted.
- Free mulch is available from Jan. 8 for those who drop off at Zilker Park.
With these options, Austin residents can easily recycle their holiday trees and contribute to a cleaner city environment.
