January 25th, 2011
Single stream recycling to begin for multi-family units

Brian Hawthorne demonstrates the ease of curbside single stream recycling. Photo by Don Anders.

STAFF REPORT

Starting on Feb. 1, curbside recycling will be available to all San Marcos residents living in multi-family units. The San Marcos City Council passed the ordinance on Dec. 7, establishing the expansion of the single stream recycling program in response to requests by city apartment residents.

Single-stream recycling means that all recyclables may be mixed in the same container without being separated. Texas Disposal Services (TDS) will provide recycling carts able to hold 96 gallons at each apartment complex. Apartment dwellers should contact their property manager for cart location and pick-up days.

“We are proud to be the first community in Central Texas to offer single stream recycling to all residents in the city, whether you live in a single-family or multi-family home,” San Marcos Mayor Daniel Guerrero said. “Bringing curbside recycling to apartments greatly enhances the single stream program introduced in 2009.”

Over time, this service is expected to reduce the amount of solid waste collected in the community.

Items accepted in the recycling cart include paper, plastic, cardboard, box board, metal food cans, aluminum soda cans, glass bottles of any color and plastic containers numbered 1-7.  Items not accepted include garbage, plastic bags, Styrofoam, pet food bag and pet waste, light bulbs, batteries, motor oil bottles, aerosol cans, coat hangers and clothes or garden hoses.

A video will be posted at www.sanmarcostx.gov with details about the new multi-family curbside service. Residents may also request information by email at garbage@sanmarcostx.gov or by calling (512) 393-8026.

Residents may continue to take items to Green Guy Recycling, Inc., 937 SH 80 behind Hobby Lobby and Tractor Supply. They accept metal, aluminum, copper, brass, stainless steel and lead. They will also accept printer cartridges, cell phones, batteries and Styrofoam peanuts. More information may be obtained by visiting greenguyrecycling.com.