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 collection day. All other residents can drop trees off at Zilker Park.
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.
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.
Drop off is between 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on the following dates:
- Saturday, December 30, 2023
- Saturday, January 6, 2024
- Sunday, January 7, 2024
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. There are two volunteer shifts each day of the event: 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. or 12 to 2 p.m., and anyone 18 or older can participate. Volunteers will receive a boxed lunch, courtesy of H-E-B Central Market, and a volunteer staff T-shirt. If you or your organization is interested, register to volunteer during the collection days.
Get free mulch
Trees collected at Zilker Park will be turned into mulch, and will be available for free on a first-come, first-served basis beginning January 10 at 9 a.m. (date and time subject to change due to weather). 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, but others pay $7 per cubic yard.
- Brush from commercial contractors is not accepted.
- For more information call 512-974-4343
- TDS Landfill Creedmoor: 3016 FM 1327, Creedmoor, Texas, 78610
- TDS and Garden-Ville Bee Cave: 4001 RR 620 South, Bee Cave, Texas, 78738
- 3219 S IH 35 Round Rock, Texas 78664
- 629 Dalton Lane, Austin, Texas 78742
10701 Kinser Lane, Austin, Texas 78736
Travis County West Service Center
4501 FM 620 Austin, TX 78732
Travis County East Service Center
6011 Blue Bluff Rd Austin, Texas 78724
Travis County Collection Center
2625 Woodall Dr. Cedar Park, Texas 78613
3614 FM 973 Del Valle, Texas 78617 (behind the Southwest Rural Center)
Bulk drop-off (ten trees or more) for retailers is available at the following locations
Travis County West Service Center
4501 FM 620 Austin, TX 78732
- Please call 512-854-8140 to schedule bulk drop-off appointment and follow the disposal requirements.
Travis County East Service Center
6011 Blue Bluff Rd Austin, Texas 78724
- Please call 512-854-9114 to schedule the bulk drop-off appointment and follow the disposal requirements.
Drop-off locations with a fee
These locations have varying fees. Call for more information.
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, but others pay $7 per cubic yard.
- Brush from commercial contractors is not accepted.
- For more information call 512-974-4343
3875 E. Whitestone Blvd., Cedar Park, TX 78613
- $5.30 per tree
- For more information call 512-259-7430
RECENT NEWS