City of Austin Seal

City of Austin

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Release Date: Dec. 22, 2025
Contact: Austin Resource Recovery media line     (512) 974-1800
Pile of holiday trees ready for mulching.

Austin encourages the community to recycle their holiday trees.

AUSTIN, TX – The City of Austin has been recycling holiday trees for almost 40 years. Austin Resource Recovery (ARR) encourages the community to give their holiday trees another life by repurposing them into mulch or compost.

Beginning December 26, City of Austin curbside customers can place all-natural holiday trees curbside for collection by 5:30 a.m. on their regularly scheduled composting collection day. Trees that are six feet or taller should be cut in half if they are placed at the curb.

Tree recycling rules:

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

All-natural trees, wreaths and garlands can also be dropped off at Zilker Park for recycling. All Austinites are invited to the 39th Annual Holiday Tree Recycling events, hosted by ARR and Austin Parks and Recreation, at Zilker Park between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. on the following days:

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

Trees collected at Zilker Park will be turned into mulch. The mulch will be available for free on a first-come, first-served basis starting on January 8 at 9 a.m. The date and time are subject to change in the case of inclement weather. 

For more information about holiday tree recycling, mulch availability or a list of alternative drop-off locations, visit austintexas.gov/treerecycling.    

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 About Austin Resource Recovery  
Austin Resource Recovery (ARR) is a department of the City of Austin. We provide essential services that protect people and our planet. We collect recycling, composting, trash, large brush, bulk items, household hazardous waste and dead animals. We also sweep the streets, offer Austin and Travis County residents a service to recycle and safely dispose of household hazardous waste and provide community outreach and education. ARR is driving the global transformation of traditional waste management to sustainable resource recovery. Learn more at AustinRecycles.com.

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