Central Texas residents can responsibly recycle their Christmas trees following the holiday season by utilizing various free drop-off locations. As of now, five sites are available for residents to dispose of their trees, ensuring they are transformed into mulch rather than contributing to landfill waste. These facilities will remain open until January 11, 2026.
Drop-Off Locations in Central Texas
The designated drop-off points include 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. Residents should ensure their trees are stripped of all lights, decorations, wires, and garlands before recycling. Trees measuring over six feet in height must be cut in half prior to drop-off.
For those who are customers of Austin Resource Recovery, there is an additional option: trees can be placed at the curb by 5:30 a.m. on scheduled compost collection days. Furthermore, Austinites can drop off their trees at Zilker Park on specific dates, including December 28, 2025, and January 3, 2026, from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.. This service is available to all, even those who do not subscribe to Austin Resource Recovery.
Additional Recycling Services
In Georgetown, residents can take their Christmas trees to the City of Georgetown Transfer Station located at 250 W.L. Walden Drive from January 2 to January 31, 2026, at no cost. The recycled trees will be converted into mulch, which is available year-round to city residents free of charge.
For those using Texas Disposal Systems, Christmas trees can be left at the curb on regular green waste pickup days. Trees seven feet tall or shorter may be placed at the curb uncut, while taller trees should be cut into sections. The TDS Landfill in Creedmoor is also accepting trees, operating Monday through Saturday from 7:00 a.m. until sunset.
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. Similar to other locations, all lights and ornaments must be removed, and flocked trees are not accepted. The landfill operates Monday to Friday from 7:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., and Saturday from 7:00 a.m. to noon. It will be closed on Sundays and will observe a closure on January 1 for New Year’s Day.
For a complete list of tree recycling locations in the Austin area, residents can refer to the official website at austintexas.gov/treerecycling. This initiative not only supports environmental sustainability but also helps to reduce waste in local landfills.
