UPDATE: Central Texas residents have a limited window to recycle their Christmas trees as the holiday season wraps up. With just days left, five free drop-off locations are now open, allowing residents to give their trees a sustainable new life.
Residents can take their trees to the East and West Service Centers in Austin, Northeast Metro Park in Pflugerville, the Del Valle Adult Softball Complex, and the 1431 Collection Station in Leander. These recycling sites will remain accessible until January 11, 2026.
For those who use the Austin Resource Recovery curbside service, trees must be placed out by 5:30 a.m. on compost collection days. Additionally, Austinites can recycle their trees at Zilker Park on specific dates: December 28, 2025, and January 3, 2026, between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m..
Before recycling, ensure your tree is stripped of lights, decorations, wire, and garland. Trees over 6 feet tall must be cut in half for drop-off.
For customers of Texas Disposal Systems, trees can be placed curbside on regular green waste pickup days. Trees up to 7 feet can remain uncut, while taller ones should be divided into sections.
In Georgetown, the City of Georgetown Transfer Station will accept Christmas trees from January 2 until January 31 at no cost. Recycled trees will be transformed into mulch, available year-round for free to city residents.
Additionally, Texas Disposal Systems is accepting trees at its landfill in Creedmoor. The landfill is open Monday through Saturday from 7 a.m. to sunset but is closed on Sundays.
Residents of Williamson County can recycle their trees for free at the Williamson County Landfill, located at 600 Landfill Road in Hutto, until January 4, 2026. The landfill operates Monday to Friday from 7 a.m. to 4 p.m., and Saturday from 7 a.m. to noon. Note that flocked trees will not be accepted.
With the holiday season ending, this is your chance to recycle and contribute to a greener community. For a complete list of drop-off locations in the Austin area, visit austintexas.gov/treerecycling. Don’t miss the opportunity to make a positive environmental impact while ensuring your tree is disposed of responsibly.
