Recent weather conditions have highlighted the necessity of maintaining properties by trimming and removing overgrown vegetation to mitigate risks associated with flooding, wildfires, and storm damage.
Obstructions caused by debris in drainage systems can elevate flooding risks following heavy rainfalls. Conversely, during droughts, dried-out vegetation poses a fire hazard that can endanger entire neighborhoods.
The City of Austin provides solutions for residents to dispose of tree limbs and branches efficiently.
Residents can include yard trimmings and small branches under five feet in length with their weekly composting collection. If additional space is needed beyond the green cart’s capacity, up to 15 extra items such as lawn bags or small branch piles may be placed beside it.
For larger brush removal, residents can arrange an on-demand collection via the Austin Recycles app, online at austintexas.gov/myschedule, or by calling 3-1-1 (512-974-2000). The collected material will be processed into mulch or composted into Dillo Dirt. Each residential address is allowed up to three collections annually. More details are available at austintexas.gov/ondemand.
Austin and Travis County residents also have the option to drop off yard trimmings and large brush at Austin Water’s Hornsby Bend Biosolids Management Plant from Monday through Saturday between 8 a.m. and 3 p.m., without needing an appointment. Large brush dropped off here is also converted into mulch or Dillo Dirt. Additionally, free mulch is offered at the Recycle and Reuse Drop-off Center.
