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February 6, 2010

A Word About Recycling - Feb. 7, 2010

By Ollie and Gloria Maier Daily Record Columnists The San Marcos Record Sat Feb 06, 2010, 02:50 PM CST

— In our efforts to let you know how we are doing locally in recycling, today we will address curb-side recycling in San Marcos. (In a separate column next week we will address the county-wide Household Hazardous Waste collections in San Marcos.)

The big news on the curb-side recycling is how it almost doubled when it went to single stream (where recyclable items did not have to be separated) and added some items not included before.

Before single-stream, which started in April ‘09, approximately 51.7 tons were collected each month. After single-stream began it averaged about 102.6 tons each month. High month was November with 108.8 tons collected.

Not only were more tons collected, the participation rate also increased. It went from an average of 25-35 percent of the households before single stream to an average of more than 40 percent after, with a high of over 46 percent in December.

As explained by Jo S., who provided all this information (Thanks Jo), the increase was probably due to “... accepting cardboard and boxboard with single stream and also it was easier plus we went to once per week garbage pickup so residents realized it was necessary to recycle to save room in their trash carts.” (All good reasons.)

All single family residents within the city limits, which is divided into five sectors, have access to curb-side recycling. In preparation for single stream recycling, recycle carts were distributed to approximately 6,500 households.

Total collected by curb-side recycling for the year was 1,076.7 tons. (Folks, that is more than 2.15 million pounds... thanks, concerned citizens, for keeping all that out of the landfill and allowing it to be put to good use.)

Additionally, the city does have a contract with Texas Disposal for brush pick-up. White goods (refrigerators, stoves, washers, etc.) plus tires can be taken to the Green Guy recycling drop-off site at no charge for city residents.

As for comments made by citizens, one said, “Single Stream recycling is long overdue in such a progressive city like San Marcos. The city’s efforts are appreciated by myself and many other city residents.” (Thanks Alan.)

Others have said, “So glad you are doing this.”

Incidentally, Jo had good news for those living in apartments and mobile homes. Starting on March 1, the city will be starting a pilot test program for seven apartments and one mobile home park to see what issues are involved before they go out for bids on recycling in multifamily units throughout the city.

Till next week, do have a great one... (And isn’t it nice to be able to say “Stay dry” rather than “Pray for Rain”... Thanks Lord.)

Gloria and Ollie are local citizens concerned with the environment and helping others. Ollie is a graduate of eadership 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 (512) 353-7432 or e-mail them to omaier@TxState.edu

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