AUSTIN (Talk1370.com) -- The City of Austin will offer recycling of natural Christmas trees, both through curbside trash pickup services and a drop-off site at Zilker Park.
The recycling program is part of the City's zero waste by 2040 effort, which officials say helps keep nearly 20,000 trees out of area landfills each year.
Annually, holiday tree recycling keeps nearly 20,000 trees out of area landfills, which contributes to the City’s goal of reaching zero waste by 2040.
For curbside customers, Austin Resource Recovery will pick up trees along with yard trimmings on regularly scheduled collection days beginning on December 26. Trees that are six feet or taller must be cut in half, and trees need to be at the curb by 6:30 a.m. on your collection day.
All residents can also take advantage of a contactless drop-off at the Zilker Park Polo Fields in early January. Drop offs will be accepted between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. on Saturday, Jan. 2 and Sunday, Jan. 3, as well as Saturday, Jan. 9 and Sunday, Jan. 10.
Only natural trees can be recycled. Trees sprayed with flocking, or artificial snow, will not be accepted, and all ornaments, tinsel, decorations, and lights should be removed.
A list of alternative drop-off locations across Travis County, including commercial drop off locations, is available on the city's website at www.AustinTexas.gov/treerecycling.
Trees collected at Zilker Park will be turned into mulch, and will be available for free on a first-come, first-served basis beginning January 14 at 9 a.m.