Where to recycle your Christmas tree for free in Austin

The Gerdes family continued their family tradition to pick a Christmas tree together at Papa Noel on Capital of Texas Highway in Westlake. Parents Allison and Hank, and their children Annelise, Henry and Emery were among the shoppers who recently scooped up a tree.

Every year, at some point, the Christmas spirit dies. When that time arrives, your tree — a symbol representing peace on earth, good will toward man and a ton of presents — becomes tinder as you grow tired of the pine needles everywhere, or the pets and toddlers breaking ornaments, or the reflection of the festive lights on the TV screen.

When that moment comes, Austin and Travis County residents have several free and low-cost options to recycle natural holiday trees rather than sending them to the landfill.

Austin residents with city curbside collection can recycle Christmas trees by leaving them at the curb on their regular composting or yard trimming collection day. Trees must be set out by 5:30 a.m. on collection day.

Only natural trees are accepted, and all decorations, lights, stands, metal hardware and plastic must be removed. Trees sprayed with flocking or artificial snow, placed in bags or wrapped in netting or rope will not be collected. Trees taller than 6 feet must be cut in half.

Residents without curbside service — including those outside the city — can drop off natural trees, wreaths and garlands at Zilker Park from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Saturday, Jan. 3. Wire frames must be removed from wreaths and garlands, and the same preparation rules apply.

The collected trees will be turned into mulch, which will be available for free beginning Jan. 8 on a first-come, first-served basis, weather permitting.

Travis County is also offering free tree drop-off at five county locations, open daily from 7 a.m. to 3 p.m. through Jan. 11, according to county officials. Trees must follow the same eligibility parameters as the city in order to be eligible for drop off.

The drop-off’s are located at:

• The West Service Center— 4501 FM 620, Austin, Texas 78732
• Del Valle Adult Softball Complex— 3614 FM 973, Del Valle, Texas 78617
• Northeast Metro Park — 15500 Sun Light Near Way, Pflugerville, Texas 78660
• the Citizen Collection Center — 2625 Woodall Drive, Leander, Texas 78613
• The East Service Center —6011 Blue Bluff Rd. Austin, Texas 78724

For residents with other holiday waste, Travis County accepts nonworking holiday lights, Styrofoam and cardboard at the Recycle and Reuse Drop-off Center on Business Center Drive by appointment. Additional recycling and waste disposal options are available through the county’s online drop-off locator.

Christmas tree recycling is a service the city and county have offered for years, officials said, turning seasonal waste into mulch used across parks and public spaces long after the holidays end.