Austin Christmas Tree Recycling: Curb and Drop-Off

Austin Christmas tree recycling at the curb

Austin Christmas tree recycling for city curbside customers starts on December 26. Set the tree out by 5:30 a.m. on your composting collection day, not on the recycling day. Only a real tree is accepted. Flocking, the white spray that looks like snow, is refused.

Take off every ornament, the tinsel, the lights, and the stand. Do not bag the tree. If it is six feet or taller, cut it in half so the crew can handle it. A plastic tree is trash or a donation, not austin christmas tree recycling.

Austin Christmas tree recycling turns the branches into mulch. That only works if the load is clean. A single strand of lights left on the tree can get the whole tree rejected.

Austin Christmas tree recycling drop-off

If you are not a curbside customer, you can still recycle a natural tree. Zilker Park hosts a city drop-off. The city has said 2026 dates will be announced later in the year, so check before you drive. Wreaths and garlands are accepted there if you take them off wire frames.

Year-round style drop-off includes Hornsby Bend Biosolids Management Plant at 2210 FM 973. Entry needs a government photo ID. Austin and Travis County residents drop a tree at no cost. A tree that still has tags, decorations, or plastic can draw a contamination fee. Call 512-974-4343 for Hornsby Bend questions.

Other free sites listed by the city include Texas Disposal Systems locations, Whittlesey Landscape Supplies, Kinser Ranch, Travis County service centers, Del Valle Softball Complex, and Northeast Metro Park. Austin Wood Recycling in Cedar Park posts a per-tree fee. Confirm hours on the holiday tree recycling page.

Do not put the tree in the blue cart. Everyday food scraps are a different habit, covered in how to start composting at home. Cart rules stay in Austin blue cart recycling.