- O Christmas Tree,
- O Christmas Tree,
- How Do I dispose of thee?
Every year we ask ourselves this question, don’t we? Well, at least those of us who had real trees. Folks with artificial trees just put theirs away and wait for next year.
Of course, in this era of environmentalism, who even sets up a real tree?
Earlier in December, the Washington Post reported that in 2018 about 20 percent of Americans still put up a real tree. About 55 percent opt for the artificial version.
Okay. Okay. We know -we’re not here to debate with you about whether putting up a real tree or not is the best idea. We aren’t saying it is AND we aren’t saying it isn’t. It’s all about your personal preference. You have the right to celebrate the holidays in whatever way you see fit. We are not here to judge.
Now, over the last 10 years, Americans have purchased about 28 million real Christmas trees every year. In 2018, 33 million real trees were bought, an increase from previous years. This is, in large part, due to the fact that millennials are starting to have their own families.
But fake trees are greener, right?
Not necessarily. However, it is a common assumption that fake trees are greener. The argument for artificial trees is that their reusability lowers their environmental impact BUT most experts agree that cutting down a Christmas tree is actually greener. Why? Well, the materials it takes to make an artificial tree are not exactly very green. Artificial trees are largely made of plastic.
Now, real Christmas trees are usually grown like crops with new trees being replanted as the older ones are cut down. Dedicating land to the growth of trees has benefits by enriching the soil and removing carbon from the atmosphere.
How do you dispose of your Christmas tree in Austin?
In Austin, you don’t have to throw away your real Christmas trees. You can give them a second life by recycling them. We have a pretty significant tree recycling program. Starting on the 26th of December, curbside customers can recycle their trees by leaving them by their curbs on collection day. Other residents can drop their trees off at Zilker Park and other free tree drop-off locations.
Curbside Collections
Want to recycle your tree the easy way? Then, just put it outside at your curb for it to be collected. Please set out your tree by 6:30 am on your regular collection day and the City will pick it up for you. Please remove all decorations and stands from the tree. If the tree is over six feet tall, the City asks for you to cut it in half. Do not place the tree in a plastic bag. Leave as is.
Zilker Park Drop-Off
If you are not a City of Austin curbside customer, you can still dispose of your real Christmas tree. Take it to Zilker Park. Please note that trees with artificial snow on them are NOT accepted. Again, remove all decorations and stands. Drop off is between 10am and 2pm on the following dates:
- Saturday, December 28, 2019
- Sunday, December 29, 2019
- Saturday, January 4, 2020
- Sunday, January 5, 2020
Trees collected will be turned into mulch which will be available on a first-come, first serve basis beginning January 16th, 2020.
Alternative Drop-Off Locations
Can’t make it to Zilker Park on the days specified? No problem. The following locations will take the tree free of cost unless you leave the decorations, tags or any plastic on them. Then, they are subject to a ‘contamination fee’.
- TDS Landfill Creedmoor: 3016 FM 1327, Creedmoor, Texas, 78610
- TDS & Garden-Ville Bee Cave: 4001 RR 620 South, Bee Cave, Texas, 78738
Travis County Transfer Station
- 2625 Woodall Dr. Leander, Texas 78613
Travis County East Service Center
- 6011 Blue Bluff Rd Austin, Texas 78724
Travis County West Service Center
- 4501 FM 620 Austin, TX 78732
Del Valle Softball Complex (Behind the Southwest Rural Center)
- 3614 FM 973 Del Valle, Texas 78617
For more information, visit http://www.austintexas.gov/department/christmas-tree-recycling. Merry Christmas and Happy New Year from Austin Tree Service. We look forward to serving you in the coming year.
