Recycling habits in Austin

[Trainwreck20]

We used to (before the 'blue bin' days) cut, stack, and tie up our cardboard (quite a PITA, actually) and place it by the curb. We definitely exceeded the 2' x 2' requirement at least some, if not all, of the time. In any case, at least on a couple of occassions, I saw the recycle people pick it up and they came after the trash people (that had, obviously, left it).

With the blue bin now, it is amazing how much cardboard you can cram into there!

[eileenkeeney]

So here is what the Wells Branch MUD says about yard waste:

Brush items and compost materials are serviced by TexaScapes on Mondays and Tuesdays. Brush and limbs must be no more than 6 feet long and bundled. These items must also be placed by your curb no later than 7:00 a.m.

That is a different day than trash day, and it states nothing about grass clippings (which do not bundle so easily).

Yard waste carts made this so much easier.

[calel]

My MUD's trash people don't even allow corrugated cardboard boxes for recycling. I have to drive down to Ecology Action to get rid of larger boxes.

Yard waste is collected with the regular trash or taken on Tuesdays as bulk trash.

[CptnRn]

Originally Posted by eileenkeeney

So here is what the Wells Branch MUD says about yard waste:

Brush items and compost materials are serviced by TexaScapes on Mondays and Tuesdays. Brush and limbs must be no more than 6 feet long and bundled. These items must also be placed by your curb no later than 7:00 a.m.

That is a different day than trash day, and it states nothing about grass clippings (which do not bundle so easily).

Yard waste carts made this so much easier.

Sounds like compost items including grass clippings can be placed at the curb in bins provided by the property owner. If you are not sure, give them a call and ask for clarificartion.

[eileenkeeney]

Originally Posted by CptnRn

Sounds like compost items including grass clippings can be placed at the curb in bins provided by the property owner. If you are not sure, give them a call and ask for clarificartion.

I am just not seeing anyone do that, but it sounds like a policy I could be ok with. I don't mind buying a bin that they would empty (as opposed to those lawn paper bags).

I think I need to walk around the neighborhood, not just look at what the neighbors in easy view are doing.

Thanks.

[Creedmoor_Mom]

You might check to see if the Texas Disposal landfill has styrofoam collection...not sure if they do or not...
We take our yard wastes in ourselves & they use it in their Gardenville center.

[CptnRn]

Originally Posted by eileenkeeney

I am just not seeing anyone do that, but it sounds like a policy I could be ok with. I don't mind buying a bin that they would empty (as opposed to those lawn paper bags).

I think I need to walk around the neighborhood, not just look at what the neighbors in easy view are doing.

Thanks.

That is what we do in the City of Austin, all yard clippings and any biodegradable yard waste goes into a plastic bin I provide. Longer tree ahd shrub branches are cut into 3'-4' long branches and tied together into bundles that can easily be picked up by the collection crews.

[10scoachrick]

We have one of those collapsible vinyl 'barrels' for the rare times we put out yard waste. We mulch the grass so the plants that are pulled or branches that are trimmed are pretty much the only yard waste we generate. The spring-loaded 'barrel' is also a handy extra trash receptacle for backyard parties, etc. The downside is the 'disposition' of the container after the yard waste guys empty it into the truck. They are likely to toss it on the curb and let our Texas winds carry it away . We actually lost a little one but have managed to keep track of the larger(~40 gal) one. We may have gone through a half-dozen yard-waste bags in over two years.

[Creedmoor_Mom]

Anyone compost their own yard wastes??

[10scoachrick]

Originally Posted by Creedmoor_Mom

Anyone compost their own yard wastes??

Back in Atlanta, we had more grass clippings(Tall Fescue) and real leaves from deciduous trees, allowing for easier composting. I'd LOVE to be able to compost ACORNS!