CENTRAL TEXAS (KXXV) — Decorating for the holidays can get you into the holiday spirit. But taking down decorations, putting them away, and figuring out how to fit everything in your trash bin can be a tedious task.
Waco
The City of Waco has a list of what you can and can't recycle after the holiday, from real to artificial trees, to wrapping paper, boxes, lights and ornaments.
What you can recycle
- Most wrapping paper and gift bags are recyclable, but give it a "scrunch test" - if it stays scrunched, it's likely recyclable. If the paper has metal, wax, velvet or glitter, throw it away in the trash or reuse it.
- Cardboard boxes and packaging can go in your blue recycle bin, but be sure to flatten your boxes and empty them.
- Natural wreaths, mistletoe, holly and other natural decorations can go in your green bin. Take off any hooks, ribbon, lights or other artificial components first though.
What you can't recycle
- Glass, plastic, and metal are generally recyclable items. But when they are all together as Christmas lights, they're not. Strings of lights can cause problems for recycling, so throw them in your gray bin if you're getting rid of them.
- If you have broken or damaged ornaments, those go in your gray trash bin, as well as tinsel.
The city also offers curbside pickup for natural Christmas trees, Chipping of the Green on Saturday, Jan. 3 from 8 a.m. to noon for natural trees at the Cobbs recycling Center for free, as well as a curbside bulky waste pickup if you're tossing an artificial tree.
To request a bulky waste pick up, click here.
To check your curbside pickup schedule, click here.
Robinson
The City of Robinson is sharing ways residents can get rid of live Christmas trees after the holiday season.
Option One: Bulk-Brush curbside pickup
- This option is included with weekly solid waste collection in Robinson.
- Applies to whole trees less than six feet.
- Place at curb on regular collection day for Waste Management
Option Two: Monthly Bulk-Brush days
- Held on the first Saturday of every month (January 4 from 8:30 a.m. - 1 p.m. at 5158 South 12th Street)
- $10 fee added to utility bill
- Most recent water bill required for verification
Temple
The City of Temple is offering free live Christmas tree recycling from Friday, Dec. 26 through Friday, Jan. 9, 2026.
Just be sure you remove all your decorations before tossing your tree.
Free drop off
- Drop off your tree anytime at 602 Jack Baskins Drive
- Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. at 2611 E Ave H
Tree pick up
- Schedule a brush pickup by calling (254) 298-5000 or online here
- Place your tree at the curb ahead of your scheduled pickup time
Killeen
Recycle your Christmas tree on Saturday, Jan. 3 from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Killeen Special Events Center.
