Published: October 04, 2008 03:59 pm            

A Word About Recycling - October 5, 2008

Here’s something you don’t see everyday. An article in the Recycling Today e-newsletter reported Florida officials are asking for input from ordinary citizens.

“The Florida Department of Environmental Protection held its first public meeting on Sept. 22 to receive input on innovative ways the state can recycle more. More than 175 people participated in the meeting and provided useful suggestions and thoughtful comments. In addition to public meetings, DEP has set up a Web forum to enable all Floridians to submit their recycling ideas right from their computers and join on-line discussions on this important topic.”

The reason for such input is simple. “The 2008 Energy Bill signed by Governor Charlie Crist establishes a new statewide recycling goal of 75 percent to be achieved by 2020. DEP is directed to develop a program to achieve this goal and submit it to the Legislature for consideration by January 1, 2010. Public input is critical to the success in achieving this ambitious goal and any new and innovative approaches that address solid waste streams are welcome.”

On another subject, we noticed in the Parade magazine, the early results of a survey on whether those who have extra bags of garbage should pay extra. They have found, such as in Austin, where there is this extra charge, recycling increased by up to 17 percent. While the final results of this poll aren’t in yet, at the time of the latest published results, almost 70 percent said they should pay extra.

Now for some wonderful news for those who have household hazardous waste to recycle. (And we know you are out there as we have had more than one call asking about this.) There will be another collection in San Marcos for all of Hays country on Oct. 18. It will take place by the City Hall Offices on 630 E. Hopkins from 8 a.m. – noon, rain or shine (lets hope we get some rain by then!).

If you log onto www.co.hays.tx.us, click on "Departments,” click on "Recycling & Solid Waste,” click on "Household Hazardous Waste Collection Event" (thanks Marianne S. for the info) you can find out more about this collection, what you can bring and what you shouldn’t try to bring, plus some of the household hazardous waste collection dates for next year.

(Having participated in more than one of these before, it is very neat in that you don’t even have to exit your vehicle... They will very pleasantly unload your trunk or pickup for you.)

Till next week, do have a great one... (and don’t forget ‘National Night Out,’ or as we like to call it, ‘Neighbor’s Night Out.’)



Gloria and Ollie are local citizens concerned with the environment and helping others. Ollie is a graduate of Leadership San Marcos and they both received higher education at TxState University and worked on staff before retiring. For questions or comments, please call them at 353-7432 or e-mail them to omaier@TxState.edu.

        

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