Staff Report
McAllen, TX - McAllen Public Works is encouraging residents to help keep the city clean and sustainable throughout the holiday season by following proper recycling practices and taking advantage of curbside and drop-off services.
City officials said residents can recycle through regular curbside pickup or by using the drive-through Recycling Center at 4101 N. Bentsen Road, which accepts glass, paper, cardboard, aluminum and tin cans, and plastics No. 1 and No. 2. Residents who need a blue recycling bin for curbside service may request one by calling the McAllen Recycling Center at 956-681-4050.
Public Works staff said proper recycling helps reduce contamination, conserves resources, saves landfill space and supports the creation of new products made from recycled materials. The department also outlined several guidelines to help residents sort materials correctly during the high-waste holiday period.
Residents are asked to recycle only plain, non-metallic wrapping paper and unembellished greeting cards. Foil paper, glitter and musical cards must be thrown away. All cardboard boxes should be flattened before placing them in bins. Items known as “tanglers,” including string lights, tinsel, ribbon and bows, should not be recycled because they can damage sorting machinery.
Styrofoam and plastic film, including bags and bubble wrap, are not accepted in curbside bins. Officials recommend returning those materials to grocery stores that offer film recycling. Food and drink containers should be rinsed before recycling.
Christmas trees should have stands and decorations removed. Larger trees should be cut to fit inside green bins, or residents may check for any tree recycling or mulching programs available after the holidays.
The city will share updates on holiday operating hours, collection schedules and recycling reminders on its website and through McAllen Public Works and McAllen Recycling Center social media accounts.
More information, including accepted materials and curbside schedules, is available at www.mcallenpublicworks.net or by calling 956-681-4050.
Source -- City of McAllen Public Works.