Here's how to recycle your Christmas tree and dispose of holiday trash in Travis County

Ryan Maxin, Austin American-Statesman
Updated ·4 min read

Travis County is asking residents to return at least one thing they got for Christmas this year: their tree.

The county is offering five free drop-off locations to encourage people to recycle natural Christmas trees properly. It's also providing ways for residents to recycle old Christmas lights and gift packaging.

Here's all you need to know to recycle your tree (and more) properly:

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How should I prepare my tree for recycling?

The county is accepting only natural Christmas trees with all ornaments, decorations, lights and tree stands removed. Nails, staples, wire and any metal must also be removed before the trees are recycled.

Trees should not be placed in "tree bags" or any plastic wrapping, and netting or rope wrapped around the trees will not be accepted. Flocking or artificial snow should be removed.

Trees taller than 6 feet need to be cut in half.

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Where are the drop-off locations?

Travis County's drop-off locations will be open Tuesday through Jan. 10 from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. for residents to recycle their trees. They're at:

  • West Service Center, 4501 RM 620, Austin.

  • Del Valle Adult Softball Complex, 3614 FM 973, Del Valle.

  • Northeast Metro Park, 15500 Sun Light Near Way, Pflugerville.

  • Collection Center, 2625 Woodall Drive, Leander.

  • East Service Center, 6011 Blue Bluff, Austin.

Commercial Christmas tree retailers may drop off trees in bulk at two locations in Austin. Retailers must call 512-854-8140 to schedule a drop-off at the West Service Center. They must call 512-854-9114 to schedule a drop-off at the East Service Center.

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Austinites eligible for curbside pickup, other drop-off locations

City of Austin curbside customers may recycle their trees by leaving them on the curb starting Tuesday. The city is asking residents to place the trees on the curb by 5:30 a.m. on their designated composting day.

Residents can search for their designated day by their home address here.

All Austin residents may drop off their Christmas trees at Zilker Park between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 6 and Jan. 7. Trees collected at Zilker Park will be turned into mulch and distributed free on a first-come, first-served basis starting at 9 a.m. Jan. 10. Those collecting the mulch must bring their own tools and storage containers.

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Other drop-off locations in the Austin area are:

The preparation steps for tree recycling are the same for the city of Austin and Travis County.

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How do I get rid of packaging, other Christmas materials?

Travis County residents may recycle holiday lights that no longer work at the Recycle and Reuse Drop-off Center, 2514 Business Center Drive. The center also accepts Styrofoam and cardboard. Those wanting to drop off materials at the center must make an appointment here.

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Making an appointment at the Recycle and Reuse Drop-off Center is also a great option if you want to recycle old electronics and batteries, especially if you got new gadgets for Christmas. Visit Austin Resource Recovery's "What Do I Do With" website at austintexas.gov/what-do-i-do. The interactive site lets you type in a household item and find out which city service can help you dispose of it.

Wrapping paper can go into your blue single-stream recycling cart. However, wrapping paper with glitter or foil cannot be recycled and should go in the trash, Austin Resource Recovery says.

Foam packing peanuts should be sealed in a bag before being placed in the trash. Many postal stores will accept packing peanuts, too.

All Austin residents may drop off their Christmas trees at Zilker Park between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 6 and Jan. 7.
All Austin residents may drop off their Christmas trees at Zilker Park between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 6 and Jan. 7.

This article originally appeared on Austin American-Statesman: How to recycle your Christmas tree in Austin, Travis County