Whether you keep your Christmas tree up until January or you tear it down right away, you need to know what to do with it once the ornaments are packaged up.
♻️ Put It on the Curb
If you’re a city curbside customer, set your tree out by 5:30 a.m. on your regular composting collection day. Make sure you remove all ornaments, tinsel, lights, stands and other decor. Trees must be natural and not have any artificial snow.
You don’t need to put the tree in a bag, but if your tree is taller than 6 feet, cut it in half.
🚛 Take It to Zilker Park
Anyone can drop off natural trees, wreaths, and garlands at Zilker Park on Jan. 3 between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. The same rules apply:
- No artificial snow
- Remove all decorations, including ornaments, tinsel, lights, and stands
- Don’t put items in bags
For wreaths and garlands, make sure you remove them from wire frames.
You can return to Zilker Park on Jan. 8 starting at 9 a.m. to pick up free mulch from the recycled trees. The mulch will be given out on a first-come, first-served basis.
🎄 Free Drop-Off Locations Are Available All Over Central Texas
Not close to Zilker Park? No worries! Try one of these free drop-off locations:
- Hornsby Bend Biosolids Management Plant: 2210 FM 973, Austin
- TDS Landfill Creedmoor: 3016 FM 1327, Creedmoor
- TDS and Garden-Ville Bee Cave: 4001 RR 620 South, Bee Cave
- Whittlesey Landscape Supplies: 3219 S. Interstate 35 Round Rock; and 629 Dalton Lane, Austin
- Kinser Ranch LLC.: 10701 Kinser Lane, Austin
- Travis County West Service Center: 4501 FM 620, Austin
- Travis County East Service Center: 6011 Blue Bluff Road, Austin
- Travis County Collection Center: 2625 Woodall Drive, Cedar Park
- Del Valle Softball Complex: 3614 FM 973 Del Valle
