Christmas Tree Disposal, Recycling Sites Abound In Austin Area

AUSTIN, TX — Getting rid of your Christmas tree is not mulch about nothing. Consider Christmas tree recycling as an option or transport your tree to be turned into beneficial mulch for plants distributed for free come mid-January.

Starting Dec. 26, City of Austin curbside customers can recycle their trees by leaving them at the curb on their regular collection day. All other residents can drop trees off at Zilker Park.

Curbside Collections

First off (and this should be obvious): Remove all decorations from the tree to be recycled. Have your tree out by the curb by 6:30 a.m. on your regular collection day and remove all decorations and stands from the tree. Trees over 6 feet should be cut in half. Do not place tree in a plastic bag.

Zilker Park Drop-off

Not a City of Austin curbside customer? No problem! All residents can drop off their trees for recycling at Zilker Park. Trees with flocking (artificial snow) are not accepted. Again, please remember to remove all decorations and stands. Drop off is between 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on the following dates:

• Saturday, Dec. 28.
• Sunday, Dec. 29.
• Saturday, Jan. 4, 2020
• Sunday, Jan. 5, 2020

Trees collected will be turned into mulch and will be available for free on a first-come, first-served basis beginning Jan. 16, 9 a.m. Participants should bring their own tools and storage containers for loading and transporting the mulch.

Christmas trees can be turned into beneficial mulch, giving your holiday tree a new lease on life in a different manifestation. Photo via Shutterstock.

Volunteer Opportunities

Volunteer shifts will be from 10 a.m. to noon each day of the event. City officials suggest volunteers dress according to the weather and bring a water bottle and a pair of work gloves if available. The city will provide T-shirts, snacks, and warm drinks for volunteers. This year, the minimum age to volunteer is 18. RSVP to volunteer by contacting Meredith Gauthier at meredith.gauthier@austintexas.gov with your desired shift date and time.

Alternative Drop-Off Locations

Free Drop-Off Locations

Tree 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 remaining.

Texas Disposal Systems

Editor's note: A Texas Disposal Systems official reached out to Patch to alert they will take trees until Jan. 31. So get out there, procrastinators!

• TDS Landfill Creedmoor: 3016 FM 1327, Creedmoor, Texas, 78610
• TDS & Garden-Ville Bee Cave: 4001 RR 620 South, Bee Cave, Texas, 78738

Whittlesey Landscape Supplies

• 3219 S. Interstate 35 Round Rock, Texas 78664
• 629 Dalton Lane, Austin, Texas 78742

Travis County Transfer Station

• 2625 Woodall Dr. Leander, Texas 78613

Travis County East Service Center

• 6011 Blue Bluff Rd Austin, Texas 78724

Travis County West Service Center

• 4501 FM 620 Austin, TX 78732

Del Valle Softball Complex (Behind the Southwest Rural Center)

• 3614 FM 973 Del Valle, Texas 78617

Drop-Off Locations with a Fee

Locations listed below have varying fees. Call for more information.

Kinser Ranch LLC.
$20/per load
For more information: 512-477-9025
10701 Kinser Lane, Austin, Texas 78736

Austin Wood Recycling
$5.00/per tree
For more information: 512-259-7430
3875 E. Whitestone Blvd., Cedar Park, TX 78613

Good Guys Tree Service
Prices vary
For more information: 512-743-3909
10713 Ranch Rd. 620 North, Austin, TX 78726

Austin Tree Surgeons
Pickup requests only after Jan. 1. Prices start at $25 for pickup and disposal.
For more information: 512-301-4400
150 Pemberton Way, Austin, TX 78737