Here's a quick run-down of the program. Please send additional questions to csarendt @ yahoo . com!
Where can I get a green bag?
You should have received two bags and a green sticker in the mail in a mailing about the program shortly after Thanksgiving.
If you didn't receive the mailer, you can contact Simple Recycling for bags and a sticker on their website or by phone at 866-835-5068. I also have a roll of green bags - email me, and I'll deliver some to you.
What can I put in the green bag?
Anything made of fabric, all kinds of toys, dishes/knick knacks, etc. Fabric should be clean and dry, but it can be in poor repair (holes, etc). The items accepted are listed on the front of the green bag itself. Consider stashing a green bag in your closet to remind you to put in items of clothing or shoes that you no longer use!
Things with a cord (dead toasters, working TVs, etc) should not go in the green bag. They are better delivered to the Recycling and Reuse Drop-off Center.
Some items I put in my green bag last Wednesday for pick-up at the curb. |
If you have items that you don't want to put in the green bag, you can put them in a box and put the sticker on it so that the Simple Recycling van driver knows to pick it up
Where should I put the green bag on my recycling day?
Put it about 5 feet away from your trash bin and your recycling bin in a spot that will be easy for the van driver to spot as he drives through the neighborhood looking for green bags.
If I put a green bag outside, where will I get a new one?
When you put out a bag, the van driver will leave you a new one (or two) on the handle of your recycling bin, so make sure to leave your blue bin outside until your green bag has been picked up! Currently stickers are not replaced in this way. I'm working on getting a stash of them. You can also request more by contacting Simple Recycling.
What happens to my stuff after it gets picked up?
Since this is a new program to Austin, items collected here are currently trucked to Houston for sorting. Eventually Simple Recycling plans to open a local sorting facility. As many of the items as possible are sold to markets within the US, and the rest is resold overseas. Around 5% of what is collected may end up in a landfill, but 95% is likely to be reclaimed for use (vs. 0% if you just threw it in the trash!).
Learn more from Austin Resource Recovery's website on the service here
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