In many cities of the U.S., rules about trash and recycling change with the passage of time. These changes sometimes improve caring for the environment, but other times they can surprise residents because they mean new costs or restrictions. This is exactly what’s happening in Comal County, Texas, a county located about 40 km from San Antonio. So, let’s see what the new rule is all about in more detail.
New rule about recycling
What’s shocking residents the most is that some people will now need to pay a fee to get rid of certain types of waste, especially yard waste like leaves, branches, and plants. According to local authorities, the purpose of this rule is to help people recycle more effectively and manage waste better.
When will this change start? On January 1, and it will directly affect those who take their own waste to the recycling center instead of using a private collection service.
Materials not accepted
One of the most important changes about the recycling rule has to do with the materials that are not allowed in the recycling center anymore. From now on, the county is banning single-stream recycling, which means residents can no longer bring mixed recyclable items together in one load. Here’s a list with the materials no longer accepted:
- Newspapers
- Paper
- Plastic
- Magazines
- Glass
- Tin cans
- Books
These items were commonly recycled before, but under the new law, residents will need to find other ways to dispose of them through private services.
Materials still allowed
Even though there are new restrictions, the recycling center of Comal County will still accept some materials, such as:
- Metal drink cans
- Metal
- Appliances
- Aluminum
- Cardboard
In addition, brush and vegetation (such as leaves and branches) will still be accepted, but fees will now apply. Truck tires are also accepted, but they are not free to dispose of either.
How much residents will have to pay
The cost to dispose of brush and vegetation depends on how much is being dropped off and what type of vehicle is used. The fees are as follows:
- Pick-up truck load: $15
- Small trailer (14 feet or less): $30
- Large trailer (over 14 feet): $45
- Full dump truck: $150
- For truck tires, residents will be charged $2 per tire.
These prices might give you a hint about why some people are concerned that spring cleaning could become costly, especially for those with large yards or lots of vegetation to remove.
Trash collection
It’s important to know that Comal County does not provide trash pickup for homes. In other words, the county won’t collect your garbage from your house.
If residents have questions about trash pickup or curbside recycling, they must contact their private trash or recycling company directly. The county is only responsible for managing the recycling center and setting these rules.
Where residents can recycle
Residents can still bring approved items to the official recycling spot at Comal County Recycling Center, 281 Resource Drive. The center will stay open to accept these materials under the new guidelines.
To sum up
If you often bring your own waste to the recycling center, it’s helpful to be aware of this new rule. Knowing which materials are accepted and any possible fees can make your drop-offs easier and help you plan ahead without any surprises.
Small changes like these might feel like they are negative, but knowing the rules puts you in control and helps you make smarter, more informed choices for your household and your community.
What do you think about the new changes on recycling rules? Will they be positive for the environment in the future? Let’s hope so.