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

Ryan Maxin, Austin American-Statesman

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

The county is offering five free drop-off locations to encourage people to recycle their 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 trees (and more!) properly:

More: What's the weather this Christmas weekend in Austin? Spoiler: No snow.

How can I prepare my tree for recycling?

The county is only accepting 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 also be removed prior to recycling.

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

More: What's the most popular Christmas cookie in Texas? Google shares 2023 holiday searches

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 located at:

  • West Service Center; 4501 FM 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 can drop off trees in bulk at two locations in Austin. Retailers must call (512) 854-8140 to schedule a drop-off at the Travis County West Service Center, 4501 FM 620. They must call (512) 854-9114 to schedule a drop-off at the Travis County East Service Center, 6011 Blue Bluff Road.

More: This Austin family is looking for a memorable Christmas while grieving loss of 3-year-old

Austinites eligible for curbside pickup, other drop-off locations

City of Austin curbside customers are able to 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 their designated day by their home address here.

All Austin residents are able to drop off their Christmas trees at Zilker Park between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. on Dec. 30, Jan. 6 and Jan. 7. Trees collected at Zilker Park will be turned into mulch and distributed for free on a first-come, first-served basis starting Jan. 10 at 9 a.m. Those collecting the mulch must bring their own tools and storage containers.

More: Meet the regulars behind Donn's Depot's iconic Christmas decorations in Austin

Other drop-off locations in Austin are:

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

More: 10 Christmas pop-up bars in Austin that you don't want to miss

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

Travis County residents are able to 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.

Faith: Why do we give gifts at Christmas time? A history lesson

Making an appointment for 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.

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

Advertisement