Austin and Travis County residents can get rid of their Christmas trees for free through public recycling opportunities starting Dec. 26.

What residents need to know: Austin Resource Recovery curbside customers can leave their trees out for composting collection, and residents have several opportunities to leave their trees at city and county drop-off sites in December and January.

All trees gathered will be turned into compost or mulch. Austin will make tree mulch available for free on a first-come, first-served basis Jan. 8. Free drop-off sites will be open from 7 a.m.-3:30 p.m. Dec. 26-Jan. 11 at several Travis County facilities. 

Also of note: Austinites can also drop their own trees off in person at Zilker Park. Tree recycling events will be held from 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Dec. 28 and Jan. 3.

Residents can also recycle their non-functional holiday lights at Austin's Recycle and Reuse Drop-off Center, located at 2514 Business Center Drive, Austin, or at county drop-off locations.

From major construction milestones and airline expansion deals to staffing challenges and behind-the-scenes upgrades, these nine Austin-Bergstrom International Airport updates shaped how travelers moved through the ABIA in 2025.

1. Airport ground breaking on 'Texas-sized’ garage
Airport and city officials gathered just north of the economy parking lot to break ground on a new parking garage at ABIA on Feb. 28.

Marking another milestone in the parade of projects coming online for the airport's sweeping multimillion-dollar expansion, the new 2.5-million-square-foot parking garage will add an estimated 7,000 spaces.

2. Airport patio reopens to public
For travelers passing through the Austin airport, the little-known outdoor patio is once again open to the public.

The outdoor patio, located near Gate 2, offers front-row views of planes taking off and landing on the airport’s two runways.

3. Airport breaks ground on latest 12,000-square-foot expansion
City and airport officials celebrated the start of construction May 12 on the Atrium Infill Project that will result in an additional 12,000 square feet for the Arrivals and Departures Hall.

With longtime bars celebrating anniversaries and new sushi experiences and massage businesses launching in the area, the South Austin community has seen a range of changes in its business scene. This list is not comprehensive.

Kitsu Nori
Chef Paul Qui’s latest concept Kitsu Nori offers a Japanese handroll and sushi experience. The menu features crispy nori, warm rice, dry-aged fish, premium shellfish and farm-fresh vegetables.

• Opened Dec. 13
• 2310 S. Lamar Blvd., Ste. 102, Austin

• Opened Dec. 15
• 900 S. First St., Ste. 150, Austin

• 1415 S. Congress Ave, Austin; 1421 S. Congress Ave, Austin; 501 E. 53rd St, Austin