BY SIERRA MARTIN
Sorting out details
Diving in deeper
Increasing recycling customers
Through the city’s partnership with WM, Tyler said the department’s officials are dedicat- ing more resources toward educating residents about recycling responsibly. “Especially when it comes to recycling, the success of these programs hinges on educated participation by our residents,” Tyler said. “So we want to make sure that New Braunfels has every opportunity to be successful.” Department staff plan to participate in more events throughout the community, such as homeowners association meetings and neigh- borhood events, to increase education efforts and ensure they are informing residents about best practices. Tyler said city officials are working hard to serve the community and are taking steps to ensure they are prepared to meet the challenge of “undeniable” growth.
The solid waste and recycling department is also anticipating the implementation of new software called Routeware by next October. Tyler said truck drivers are still using paper maps of their routes during residential pickup. With how dynamic the landscape of the city is, Tyler said the new software will impact every element of operations by digitizing routes and is anticipated to streamline operations, improve efficiency, balance routes and reduce turnover.
35,000
+18.63%
30,000
25,000
20,000
15,000
10,000
5,000
“Our goal is to be able to keep as much material out of the landfill [as possible] and be able to give it a second life.” LISA DOUGHTY , WM DIRECTOR OF PUBLIC AFFAIRS
0
2019
2020 2021 2022 2023
Monthly garbage rate: $13.40
No change since 2011
Monthly recycling rate: $4.26
SOURCE: CITY OF NEW BRAUNFELS/COMMUNITY IMPACT
Learn more
Basic rules for recycling
to be between 10%-19%. “I would say that the rate of contamination referenced here is on the mid-to-high end of the contamination spectrum for cities who offer recycling services,” said Chris Cox, manager of public-sector solutions at WM. “But what I’ll say is many, many communities are making great strides to educate on proper recycling.”
Tyler said many residents take part in “wishcycling,” in which nonrecyclable items are disposed of by people who have good intentions but add contaminants to their bins. Recycling rates are also influenced by the rate of contamination due to the potential impact on the recycling processing fee to the city. Over the past five years, the city has had an average contamination rate of 30.31%. Tyler said she would like to see that number drop
Not everything that is recyclable is considered blue bin recyclable, according to the city. Recycle clean bottles, cans, paper and cardboard. Keep food, liquid and plastic bags out of recycling. Do not bag recyclables in plastic.
SOURCE: WM/COMMUNITY IMPACT
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