Austin Resource Recovery (ARR) collects the contents of blue residential recycling carts and transports them to a local Materials Recovery Facility (MRF). The MRF is responsible for sorting the materials for shipment to end-users. This partnership allows both ARR and the MRF to monitor what is being placed in residential recycling carts.
Despite efforts by residents, approximately 20% of items found in these carts are not recyclable curbside, rendering them hard-to-recycle. Common examples include plastic bags, batteries, electronics, and Styrofoam. Improper disposal of these items can lead to safety hazards. For instance, batteries left in recycling carts during summer can ignite fires in collection trucks or facilities. Similarly, plastic bags can entangle equipment gears at recycling facilities, hampering efficiency.
However, there are appropriate methods for disposing of these items:
**Austin’s Recycle and Reuse Drop-off Center**
The Recycle and Reuse Drop-off Center is available by appointment for public use. It accepts hard-to-recycle items and household hazardous waste. Additionally, visitors can pick up free reusable items such as paint, cleaning supplies, and mulch.
**’What Do I Do With…’ Tool**
This tool helps determine if an item is recyclable in blue carts:
1. Type in the item you want to dispose of.
2. View options on how to recycle or dispose of it correctly.
**Plastic Bags Disposal**
Plastic bags are not recyclable curbside but can be taken to participating retail stores with designated bins (often found at grocery store entrances). Other acceptable bags include bread bags, produce bags, and dry-cleaning bags.
**Battery Recycling**
Batteries should never be disposed of in dumpsters or curbside trash/recycling/composting carts. They should be taken to the Recycle and Reuse Drop-off Center or an Austin library branch that accepts them.
For more information on year-round battery recycling locations and other recycling tips, visit ARR’s resources.
