Holiday Tree Recycling
Recycle your tree after the holidays
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 community members can drop trees off at Zilker Park during the holiday tree recycling event, 2026 dates to be announced.
How would you like to recycle your tree?
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.
Follow these guidelines:
- 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.
All Austinites can drop off their all-natural holiday trees, wreaths and garlands for recycling at Zilker Park, even if they are not City of Austin curbside customers.
Follow these guidelines:
- 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.
2026 dates will be announced later in 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, 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.
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, TX
|
Texas Disposal Systems |
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Whittlesey Landscape Supplies |
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Kinser Ranch LLC. | 10701 Kinser Lane, Austin, TX 78736 |
Travis County West Service Center | 4501 FM 620 Austin, TX 78732 |
Travis County East Service Center | 6011 Blue Bluff Rd Austin, TX 78724 |
Travis County Collection Center | 2625 Woodall Dr. Cedar Park, TX 78613 |
Del Valle Softball Complex | 3614 FM 973 Del Valle, TX 78617 (behind the Southwest Rural Center) |
Northeast Metro Park | 5500 Sun Light Near Way, Pflugerville, TX 78660 |
Drop-off locations with a fee
These locations have varying fees. Call for more information.
Austin Wood Recycling
3875 E. Whitestone Blvd., Cedar Park, TX 78613
- $5.30 per tree
- For more information, call 512-259-7430