Christmas trees are a beloved holiday tradition, but what happens to them when December is over? Give your tree a second life this year by recycling it!

There are three ways for you to recycle your Christmas tree:

1. If you’re an Austin Resource Recovery curbside customer, then all you have to do is put your tree out on the curb on your regular recycling pickup day. Just remember to remove all the decorations and stands. Trees over 6 feet tall should be cut in half.
2. If you’re not a curbside customer, you can bring your Christmas tree to Zilker Parkto be recycled. Trees will be accepted from 10am to 2pm on December 30th, December 31st, January 6th, and January 7th. All of the trees that are collected will be turned into mulch and be made available to Austinites for free on a first-come, first-served basis beginning January 18th at 9am at Zilker Park.
3. You can also drop off your Christmas trees for free at several local Texas Disposal Systems and Garden-Ville locations. The trees will then be turned into mulch, which will be available for purchase at Garden-Ville stores throughout Central Texas. TDS accepts other organic decorations as well, such as holly and pumpkins.