Austin gears up for post-holiday clean-up with its annual tree recycling initiative. As reported by Austin Resource Recovery (ARR), come December 26, residents can kick their discarded holiday trees to the curb to be collected and reborn as mulch or compost. Those who wish to be a little more hands-on can drop off their trees at Zilker Park.
For over three decades, the City of Austin has been transforming Christmas trees from seasonal decorations to sustainable resources. To be eligible for curbside pickup, trees have to be bare – stripped of ornaments, lights, and not a trace of tinsel in sight. And if your tree is more than six feet tall, you'll need to chop it in half. However, those sprayed with artificial snow can't join the compost party and, remember, skip the plastic bags.
More details on this environmentally-friendly farewell to festive firs were shared by Austin Resource Recovery. The 37th Annual Holiday Tree Recycling events at Zilker Park Polo Fields will take place from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on December 30, and the first weekend of January 2024.
The mulch created from these trees will be up for grabs on January 10 – free of charge, on a first-come basis. For those with lingering questions or seeking alternatives, the City's website is the place to go for a comprehensive list of drop-off locations and other vital tree recycling info. Austin Resource Recovery prides itself on its year-round efforts to sweep streets, manage waste, and now – ensure your holiday tree keeps on giving.
