Austin residents can recycle their old Christmas trees by following these simple guidelines.
Austin's tree recycling program will be returning for another year. The program enables Christmas trees to find further use as mulch or compost.
The program has prevented nearly 20,000 trees from being sent to area landfills. It began on Dec. 26. It is encouraged that trees over six feet tall be cut in half.
Only natural trees are eligible for the program, according to a report from Fox 7. The trees may be left with other yard trimmings. The deadline to leave the tree on the curb to be picked up as a part of the program on normal collection days is 6:30 a.m.
There are also alternative means of placing your tree in the program, according to a report from Fox 7. Contactless drop off is performed at the Zilker Park Polo Fields between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. on Sunday, Jan. 2, Saturday, Jan. 8 and Sunday, Jan. 9. It should be noted that trees sprayed with artificial snow or flocking are not eligible to be a part of the program.
All outside objects including ornaments, tinsel, lights, other miscellaneous decorations and the tree stand should also be removed from the tree before donation to the program. The trees should also not be put in a plastic bag, according to a report from Fox 7.