Holiday Tree Recycling | AustinTexas.gov

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. Please remove all decorations and stands from trees. Trees with flocking (artificial snow) are not accepted. Set out your tree by 6:30 a.m. on your composting collection day. Trees over six feet should be cut in half. Do not place tree in a plastic bag.
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 residents can do a contactless drop off of their trees for recycling at Zilker Park, even if they are not a City of Austin customer. Trees with flocking (artificial snow) are not accepted. Please remove all decorations and stands prior to arrival and remember to bring your mask or face covering for drop off.

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, January 2, 2022
Saturday, January 8, 2022
Sunday, January 9, 2022

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 12 at 9 a.m. (date and time subject to change due to weather). Please wear your mask or face covering and 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.