From Mayor Pro Tem Paige Ellis email 12/21/23:

Austinites can drop off holiday trees for recycling at Zilker Park beginning on Saturday, Dec. 30. This is a service all residents can take advantage of, even if you are not an Austin Resource Recovery (ARR) customer. Drop-offs will be accepted from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. on Dec. 30, Jan. 6, and Jan. 7. More information is available here for the tree recycling process and requirements.

Austin Resource Recovery curbside customers can also set out their holiday tree at the curb for organics collection. Please remove all decorations and stands from the tree. Trees over 6 feet should be cut in half. Do not place the tree in a plastic bag. Place the tree in or beside your green composting cart at the curb by 5:30 a.m. on your scheduled compost or yard trimming collection day.

What about wrapping paper? Any wrapping paper without foil or glitter should be recycled in your blue recycling cart. If the wrapping paper does have foil or glitter, please dispose of it in the brown trash cart. For other materials, check the “What Do I Do With…?” tool on ARR’s website.

Batteries are also a frequently used household item during the holiday season. For convenience, Austin Public Library branches accept old batteries for recycling! Give the Hampton Branch at Oak Hill a call, (512) 974-9900, to make sure they’re still collecting before you plan a visit. The City’s Recycle and Reuse Drop-off Center also accepts batteries and is open by appointment only. You can learn more on how to safely dispose of hazardous waste and other eligible items for recycling and reuse at AustinTexas.gov/DropOff.