November 13, 2006

HOUSEHOLD TRASH
Part Two – Texas Recycles Week

How much of what you toss into the trash is actually recycle-able?  The City of Midland would like to challenge all residents to reduce the amount of trash they create by recycling. 

In Texas, the average trash disposal is 7.21 pounds per person per day!  In West Texas, that average is a bit lower at 6.23 pounds per person per day.  With the tonnage of trash taken to the Midland landfill increasing by 20,000 tons per year over the last two years, we should all do our part to help save landfill space and protect our future.

Red, White, and Blue dumpsters or containers can be found at schools and other locations throughout the city.  Notice how much LESS trash your household has when you separately recycle newspaper, office-type paper, magazines and catalogues, unwanted junk mail, aluminum cans, and corrugated cardboard.  Clear plastic containers, such as milk and water jugs, are recycle-able at the H-E-B location at Midkiff and Wadley parking lot.  Plastic shopping bags can also be recycled in the H-E-B containers. 

Trees and yard waste are recycle-able at the City’s yard waste site north of Veterans Air Park Blvd. at Smith Road or at Discount Materials, located at 4705 Industrial Ave.  Residents may also take yard waste to the landfill and dispose of it for no charge by presenting a copy of their utility bill (water, sewer, garbage bill).

Every little effort helps!  To prepare the landfill to accept waste, an area must be excavated and then lined with high-density polyethelene (HDPE).  A “cell” is usually about 10 to 15 acres and approximately 30 feet deep.  Considering the amount that has been spent at the landfill, the average estimated cost per cubic yard of prepared volume is $2.45.  So if we save space at the landfill by recycling, we save money as well.

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