Recycling in El Paso: What Apartment Communities Need to Know

May 7, 2024
el paso recycling

Curbside Recycling Schedule

Recyclables are collected every other week, on your regular garbage collection day. Simply place your blue bin next to your gray bin on the day of your collection. Remember to place your blue and gray bin in the proper direction and leave a five foot spacing between other objects.

El Paso, the Sun City, boasts a rich history and a vibrant culture. The city is also committed to sustainability, and that includes implementing accessible recycling programs for residents, including those living in apartment communities. Understanding El Paso's recycling rules and how to engage your residents is key to contributing to a cleaner and greener future for the city.

The Fundamentals of Recycling in El Paso

  • Mandatory Participation: El Paso has a strong city ordinance requiring all multi-family complexes to offer recycling services to tenants.
  • What Goes in the Blue Bin: El Paso makes recycling easy with a single-stream system:
  • Paper and cardboard (flatten boxes, please!)
  • Metal cans (food and beverage cans)
  • Glass bottles and jars
  • Plastics #1, #2, #4, and #5
  • Cartons (from milk, juice, etc.)
  • What Doesn't Belong: Keep plastic bags, Styrofoam, electronics, and similar items out of recycling bins. The City of El Paso's website provides the most up-to-date list: [invalid URL removed]

Recycling Strategies for Smooth Operations in Your El Paso Apartment

  1. Collection Service: Choose a recycling collection service that meets your apartment community's needs. The El Paso Environmental Services Department (ESD) can provide guidance.
  2. Maximize Visibility: Place clearly labeled recycling bins prominently throughout your property. Ideally, they should be right next to regular trash bins.
  3. Educate and Inform: Provide residents with user-friendly guides and clear signage outlining what can and cannot be recycled. The City of El Paso likely offers ready-to-use resources.
  4. Keep Them Engaged: Regularly include recycling reminders in community newsletters, social media, or at tenant events.

Why Recycling Matters in El Paso

  • Protecting Our Environment: Recycling reduces landfill waste and keeps El Paso's beautiful desert and mountain landscapes clean.
  • Conserving Resources: Recycling means old materials become new products, saving precious natural resources.
  • Building Community: Engaged recycling programs can promote a sense of shared responsibility and pride among residents.
  • Enhancing Your Appeal: Renters increasingly seek out communities with responsible environmental practices. Easy recycling makes your apartments more attractive!

Resources to Simplify Recycling

  • City of El Paso Environmental Services Department (ESD): Your main hub for recycling information, collection schedules, and any changes to the program: [invalid URL removed]
  • Wastefree: Wastefree offers waste audits, comprehensive recycling solutions, and educational resources to optimize waste management for your property: https://www.wastefree.com/

Let's Keep El Paso Green, One Apartment Community at a Time!

By following El Paso's recycling guidelines and creating an effective recycling system in your apartment community, you aren't just complying with regulations. You're making a positive impact on the city's long-term sustainability and preserving the Sun City's beauty for future generations.