KRGV, Rio Grande Valley, Texas, reports that the ongoing discussion in McAllen, Texas, to raise the cost of recycling has entered a new stage as city commissioners consider the program’s lack of participation or outright misuse.
Currently, residents pay $2 monthly for blue recycling bins. The city is considering an increase of 25 cents to cover the cost of equipment.
“Before we raise rates, should we look at dealing with the issue to increase participation?” McAllen City Commissioner John Ingram asked KRGV. “If we make the program voluntary, [it would] basically increase the efficiency of the program.”
According to Ingram, only 24 percent of items received by the recycling center are recycled. This is because residents are unaware what items can be recycled and what cannot.
Carlos Sanchez, McAllen’s director of public works, said the city is working to further educate the public on how to use the program.
“The education efforts, the enforcement enforcements have gradually … gained some ground as far as the compliance,” Sanchez told KRGV.
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