San Antonio, December 29, 2025
The City of San Antonio is launching a free Christmas tree recycling initiative, allowing residents to drop off live trees from January 3 to January 14. This program aims to promote sustainability by recycling trees into mulch and reducing holiday waste, while encouraging community participation. The effort showcases San Antonio’s commitment to eco-friendly practices and provides valuable resources for gardening and landscaping to residents.
San Antonio Offers Free Christmas Tree Recycling Services
San Antonio, Texas – The City of San Antonio’s Solid Waste Management Department (SWMD) is providing residents with free recycling options for live Christmas trees from January 3 to January 14, 2026. This initiative aims to promote eco-friendly practices and reduce holiday waste while fostering a spirit of community involvement.
With sustainability becoming an increasingly important aspect of community initiatives, this program not only provides an outlet for post-holiday tree disposal but also contributes to larger environmental goals. By transforming discarded trees into mulch for landscaping, San Antonio is demonstrating a commitment to recycling and is encouraging residents to engage in greener behaviors. The program exemplifies how local governments can innovate and serve their communities while limiting regulatory burdens on residents and businesses.
Recycling Locations and Hours
Residents can drop off their undecorated, unbagged Christmas trees at the following locations:
- Culebra Road Drop-Off Center
7030 Culebra Road
Tuesday to Friday: 8 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Saturday: 8 a.m. – 12 p.m. - Frio City Road Drop-Off Center
1531 Frio City Road
Tuesday to Friday: 8 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Saturday: 8 a.m. – 12 p.m. - Rigsby Road Bulky Drop-Off Center
2755 Rigsby Road
Tuesday to Friday: 8 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Saturday: 8 a.m. – 12 p.m. - Bitters Brush Recycling Center
1800 Wurzbach Parkway
Monday to Saturday: 8 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Residents are reminded to remove all ornaments, decorations, lights, and tree stands before dropping off their trees. If a tree exceeds 6 feet in height, it should be cut in half to facilitate processing. Smaller trees can be placed in green organic carts during regular weekly collection days. Additionally, during the week of New Year’s, Thursday waste collection will move to Friday, January 2, and Friday collection will move to Saturday, January 3.
Availability of Mulch
In mid-January, the Bitters Brush Recycling Center will offer free mulch made from recycled Christmas trees, available while supplies last. Residents can use this mulch for gardening and landscaping purposes, further encouraging sustainable practices within the community.
Additional Recycling Options
For those looking to recycle Christmas lights, several companies in the area, such as Monterrey Metal Recycling Solutions at 2300 Frio City Road, accept old lights and extract the copper for recycling. They request that no rope lights, greenery, bulbs, or batteries be included.
Background
San Antonio’s annual Christmas tree recycling program is part of the city’s broader efforts to promote sustainability and reduce waste. By converting discarded trees into mulch, the program not only helps keep the environment clean, but also provides residents with valuable resources for their yards. The SWMD encourages all residents to participate in this initiative to support the community’s environmental goals.
Weather Forecast
Residents planning to drop off their trees should be aware of the following weather forecast for San Antonio:
## Weather for San Antonio, TX: Current Conditions: Cloudy, 55°F (13°C) Daily Forecast: * Sunday, December 28: Low: 46°F (8°C), High: 81°F (27°C), Description: The temperature near the record of 28 set in 2024; cloudy in the morning, then some sun in the afternoon; a dramatic cooldown over the next couple of days * Monday, December 29: Low: 41°F (5°C), High: 53°F (12°C), Description: Cloudy, windy and cooler * Tuesday, December 30: Low: 40°F (5°C), High: 57°F (14°C), Description: Variable cloudiness * Wednesday, December 31: Low: 45°F (7°C), High: 64°F (18°C), Description: Mostly sunny * Thursday, January 1: Low: 54°F (12°C), High: 71°F (22°C), Description: Delightful with times of sun and clouds * Friday, January 2: Low: 53°F (12°C), High: 85°F (29°C), Description: Mostly sunny and very warm with the temperature approaching the record of 30 set in 2006 * Saturday, January 3: Low: 52°F (11°C), High: 74°F (23°C), Description: Not as warm with plenty of sunshine
For more information on the Christmas tree recycling program and other waste management services, visit the City of San Antonio’s official website.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
When can I drop off my Christmas tree for recycling?
You can drop off your undecorated, unbagged Christmas tree at designated locations from January 3 to January 14, 2026. Specific drop-off times vary by location.
What should I do before bringing my tree to the recycling center?
Ensure all ornaments, decorations, lights, and tree stands are removed. If your tree is over 6 feet tall, please cut it in half.
Can I place my tree in the green organic cart instead?
Yes, smaller live trees can be placed in your green organic cart during normal weekly collection days.
Is there a fee for recycling my Christmas tree?
No, the Christmas tree recycling service is free of charge for San Antonio residents.
When will the mulch from recycled trees be available?
Free mulch made from recycled Christmas trees will be available at the Bitters Brush Recycling Center starting in mid-January, while supplies last.
Key Features of the Christmas Tree Recycling Program
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Recycling Period | January 3 to January 14, 2026 |
| Drop-Off Locations | Culebra Road, Frio City Road, Rigsby Road, and Bitters Brush Recycling Center |
| Operating Hours | Varies by location; refer to the provided schedule |
| Requirements | Remove all decorations; trees over 6 feet should be cut in half |
| Alternative Disposal | Place smaller trees in green organic carts during regular collection |
| Mulch Availability | Free mulch available at Bitters Brush Recycling Center starting mid-January, while supplies last |
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Author: STAFF HERE SAN ANTONIO WRITER
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