AUSTIN, Texas — Once Christmas Day passes, it may be Santa’s big day off, but the Texas Disposal Systems (TDS) is about to get to work.
Beginning Dec. 26, TDS is offering free Christmas tree recycling for those who want to get rid of their tree, but also want to help the earth.
Residents can drop off unflocked Christmas trees, holly and even pumpkins at one of TDS’ multiple collection sites to be repurposed and made into organic mulch and compost. The finished products will be available to purchase at the Garden-Ville stores throughout Central Texas.
According to Texas A&M Forest Services, mulch made of recycled Christmas trees can be used as landscape in yards and gardens as soil erosion prevention, nest-building materials for birds and natural water habitats for fish and wildlife in ponds or lakes.
If you want to donate your tree, you must follow specific instructions:
Christmas trees and living decorations cannot be covered in artificial snow, and must be free of all lights, ornaments and metal, like tree stands.
TDS says there will be a $55 dollar contamination fee charged for trees that haven’t been cleaned properly.
When bringing loads to drop off, TDS recommends materials be wrapped in a tarp or blanket for easier transportation. Per Texas law, Christmas trees are to be properly tied and secured to the vehicle.
For cities with TDS green waste service, TDS offers curbside collection of unflocked Christmas trees for recycling from December 26- Jan. 31, 2025. For area-specific guidelines, visit the TDS Christmas tree recycling page.
TDS does not accept or recycle artificial trees. It will be collecting trees from now until Jan. 31.
Here are six Christmas tree collection sites in Central Texas:
TDS Landfill- Mon – Sat 7 a.m. – Sunset / Sun Closed 3016 FM 1327 Creedmoor, TX 78610 Ph: (512) 421-1363
TDS & Garden-Ville Bee Cave- Mon – Fri 8 a.m. – 5 p.m. / Sat 8 a.m. – 2 p.m. / Sun Closed 4001 RR 620 S. Bee Cave, TX 78738 Ph: (512) 219-531
TDS & Garden-Ville Georgetown – Mon – Fri 8 a.m. – 5 p.m. / Sat 8 a.m. – 3 p.m. / Sun Closed 250 W.L. Walden Dr., Georgetown, TX 78626 Ph: (512) 930-8282
Garden-Ville Evans Rd. San Antonio – Mon – Fri 7 a.m. – 5 p.m. / Sat 7 a.m. – 12 p.m. / Sun Closed 7561 E. Evans Rd. San Antonio, TX 78266 Ph: (210) 651-6115
Garden-Ville SARA San Antonio – Mon – Fri 7 a.m. – 5 p.m. / Sat 7 a.m. – 12 p.m. / Sun Closed 1280 FM 1516 #2, Converse, TX 78109 Ph: (210) 483-1951
Garden-Ville Victoria- Mon – Fri 7 a.m. – 4 p.m. / Sat Closed (Effective 12/21) / Sun Closed 18125 FM 1686, Victoria, TX 77905 Ph: (361) 897-1500