Holiday Tree Recycling

Don’t throw away your holiday tree; give it another life by recycling it! Starting December 26, City of Austin curbside customers can recycle their Christmas and holiday trees by leaving them at the curb on their regular composting collection day. All other community members can drop trees off at Zilker Park on December 28 and January 3 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Set out your tree for curbside collection

Starting December 26, City of Austin curbside customers can recycle their trees at the curb. Set out your tree by 5:30 a.m. on your composting collection day.

Trees sprayed with flocking (artificial snow) are not accepted.
Remove all ornaments, decorations (including tinsel), lights and tree stands.
Do not place trees in bags.
Only natural trees are accepted for recycling.
Trees six feet or taller should be cut in half.

Trees 6 feet or taller should be cut in half image Remove all ornaments, decorations, lights and tree stands image Do not place tree in a bag image Trees with flocking (artificial snow) are not accepted image

Drop off your tree at Zilker Park

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

Trees sprayed with flocking (artificial snow) are not accepted.
Remove all ornaments, decorations (including tinsel), lights and tree stands.
Please remove wreaths and garlands from wire frames.
Do not place trees in bags.
Only natural trees are accepted for recycling.

Remove all ornaments, decorations, lights and tree stands image Do not place tree in a bag image Trees with flocking (artificial snow) are not accepted image

Drop off is between 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on the following dates:

Sunday, December 28, 2025
Saturday, January 3, 2026

Volunteer with us

Holiday tree recycling volunteers are needed to help direct cars dropping off trees, haul trees from cars to the large pile of trees and ensure that trees are free of decorations and plastic/tinsel, and that wreaths and garlands are not attached to wire frames. Anyone 18 or older can participate. Volunteers will receive lunch, courtesy of H-E-B, and a volunteer staff T-shirt. If you or your organization is interested in volunteering, check back in early December 2026 for the volunteer registration link.

Get free mulch

Trees collected at Zilker Park are turned into mulch. The mulch is available for free on a first-come, first-served basis starting January 5 at 1 p.m. (date and time subject to change due to weather conditions). Please bring your own tools and storage containers for loading and transporting the mulch.

Drop off your tree in another location

Free drop-off locations

Individual trees will be accepted free of cost at the locations listed below. However, a contamination fee will be added to any trees with tags, decorations and/or plastic. Contact the location for fees and information about dropping off multiple trees at once.

Hornsby Bend Biosolids Management Plant
2210 FM 973, Austin, Texas | A government-issued photo ID is required for entry.

Drop off is free for Austin and Travis County residents.
Individuals residing outside of Austin and Travis County should check with their municipality for options.
For more information call 512-974-4343

Texas Disposal Systems