North Austin News

AUSTIN, TEXAS – The City of Austin is encouraging its community to join in the effort of giving holiday trees a second life by repurposing them into mulch or compost. Austin Resource Recovery (ARR), the department responsible for waste management in the city, has been recycling holiday trees for over thirty years and continues to promote this eco-friendly practice.

Starting on December 26, 2023, City of Austin curbside customers can conveniently place their all-natural holiday trees curbside to be collected on their regularly scheduled composting collection day. However, certain requirements must be met for the trees to be accepted. "All ornaments, decorations (including tinsel), lights and tree stands must be removed, and trees six feet or taller should be cut in half," states ARR. Additionally, trees sprayed with flocking or placed in plastic bags will not be accepted.

For those who prefer to drop off their holiday trees, Zilker Park offers a recycling option. "All Austinites are invited to the 37th Annual Holiday Tree Recycling events, hosted by Austin Parks and Recreation and Austin Resource Recovery, at Zilker Park Polo Fields," announces ARR. The drop-off events will take place on December 30, 2023, January 6, 2024, and January 7, 2024, between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. Trees collected at Zilker Park will then be transformed into mulch.

The City of Austin is committed to sustainability and aims to make the mulch available to the public for free. "The mulch will be available on a first-come, first-served basis starting January 10 at 9 a.m.," informs ARR. However, the date and time are subject to change due to weather conditions.

By recycling holiday trees and repurposing them into mulch, Austin is taking a significant step towards sustainable waste management. The community is encouraged to take part in this initiative and make a positive impact on the environment. For more information about holiday tree recycling, mulch availability, or alternative drop-off locations, visit austintexas.gov/treerecycling.

Austin Resource Recovery (ARR) is at the forefront of this global transformation in waste management. As a department of the City of Austin, ARR provides essential services that protect people and the planet. From collecting recycling, composting, trash, large brush, bulk items, and dead animals to sweeping the streets and safely disposing of hazardous waste, ARR is dedicated to sustainable resource recovery. To learn more about their efforts, visit austinrecycles.com.

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Note: The article has been written based on the information provided in the original article. No additional information has been used.

To learn more, click on this link: https://www.austintexas.gov/news/tis-season-holiday-tree-recycling