Where can a homeowner get a curbside recycling bin? You need to contact your city disposal system in order to recieve a curbside recycling bin. The easiest way to recycle is most likely to have your recyclables...
The easiest way to recycle is most likely to have your recyclables picked up with your regular curbside waste pickup each week. Almost all sanitation companies with curbside pickup now have a regular curbside recycling program in place that you can take advantage of. You simply need to contact your local sanitation company and make sure that you have the bin that they prefer in which to store the recyclables. Most companies will not charge you for the bin that they would like you to use, you only need to request it and possibly pick it up from their location. Some, however, will even deliver it.
According to Tracy Herring, Supervisor for the City of Round Rock Environmental Services in Round Rock, Texas, "Right now [in Round Rock] there are two options for a recycling program done through the city's trash provider. There is a drop off center and there are recycling bins for pick up." Your local trash company may also have these options, making it easier for you to recycle the way you want to and when you can. Most companies support recycling and want to make it as easy as possible for you.
A drop-off option can be especially helpful because curbside pickup takes only a few recyclable items, while a drop off center is more likely to take all kinds of recyclable materials. Herring says, "I believe curbside takes your normal papers, plastics and your metal like tin and steel." Drop off can take other items like old electronics and hazardous materials such as paint to reuse and/or recycle them. When it comes to recycling, think outside the bin and take advantage of the drop off recycling center in your area.
Your first step should be to contact your garbage collection company and ask them if they provide a recycling service. Most of them do, it's just a matter of contacting them about it. Herring says, "You have to arrange with the city disposal system for them to pick up your recyclables at curbside." They would be happy to assist you in your recycling efforts, but simply want to keep track of which customers are taking advantage of that service.
Some sanitation companies actually will not require you to purchase a bin from them. Instead you can provide your own bin for a lower cost and simply label it "recyclables". Some hardware and home improvement stores also sell a bin that is already labeled and complies with many curbside pickup programs. Basically, you simply need to keep your recyclables separate from your trash and make sure the curbside pickup employees know which is which.
The only way to find out what your local sanitation pickup company prefers is to call or email them or even go there and speak with someone in person. An easy way to find their contact information is to find your old sanitation bill. You can also visit www.earth911.org to find your local center and get their contact information. Imagine how much easier your recycling can be with curbside pickup service!
