In a nutshell
Starting Dec. 26, Austin Resource Recovery curbside customers can place their holiday trees, wreaths and garlands outside by 5:30 a.m. on their regular compost collection day. Trees must be natural, with all decorations removed and no treatments like artificial snow permitted. Trees taller than 6 feet should also be cut into smaller pieces for curbside pickup.
Austinites can also drop their own trees off in person at Zilker Park. Tree recycling events will be held from 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Dec. 28 and Jan. 3.
Trees gathered at the park on those dates will be turned into mulch, which will then be made available for free on a first-come, first-served basis beginning at 9 a.m. Jan. 8. Information on the city's tree recycling program is available online.
Zooming out
Across Travis County, residents have opportunities to leave their trees for disposal for more than two weeks.
Free drop-off sites will be open from 7 a.m.-3:30 p.m. Dec. 26-Jan. 11 at several county facilities. The county also only accepts all-natural trees with all ornaments and other materials removed.
Residents can also recycle their non-functional holiday lights at Austin's Recycle and Reuse Drop-off Center, located at 2514 Business Center Drive, Austin, or at county drop-off locations.
