Enhanced Services Result in Dramatic Recycling Increase in Sugar Land
Early numbers show a dramatic increase in residential recycling after Sugar Land rolled out an enhanced program late last year.
More than 26 percent of waste has been diverted from landfills since the program’s implementation in December — a 160 percent increase over the old program. In December alone, City residents recycled more than 850 tons of materials, including 388 tons of green waste.
Sugar Land’s curbside recycling program was expanded to include all colors of glass bottles and jars. The addition of a green waste program ensures all green waste — grass clippings, leaves, brush, tree limbs, etc. — will be taken to a composting facility and recycled into mulch or compost rather than sent to a landfill.
Residents currently receive automated recycling collection once per week utilizing a city-issued 65-gallon recycling cart. Green waste collection is also provided weekly.
“Our new automated recycling program makes it very easy to participate,” said Environmental Manager Dawn Steph. “You simply place your recyclables in the container and roll it out to the curb. It’s just that easy.”
Green waste materials such as grass clippings and leaves should be placed in a reusable container or in tied bags; compostable bags are not required.
“The initial response to our new recycling program is incredibly encouraging as we work toward our goal of a 40 percent diversion rate,” said Steph. “It’s clear that our waste reduction and recycling is making a difference, and I’m confident that we will continue to build on these efforts to protect our environment.”
For more information on the newly expanded recycling program, visit www.sugarlandtx.gov/solidwaste.
