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Austin’s Waste Management Plans New Collection Rules

Waste management carts on an organized street in Austin

News Summary

Austin Resource Recovery (ARR) is proposing new rules to improve waste management for residents. Changes include earlier cart collection times, increased spacing between carts, and more flexible recycling options. The amendments were unanimously recommended for City Council approval, with possible adoption set for May or June. A new on-demand collection service for bulky items is also planned for January 2025, allowing residents to schedule pickups easily. The initiative supports Austin’s zero waste goal, aiming to reduce landfill waste and promote sustainability.

Austin’s Waste Management Plans to Shake Things Up with New Rules

Hey there, Austin! The folks over at Austin Resource Recovery (ARR) are rolling out some exciting new proposals aimed at improving our beloved city’s waste management. During a meeting on April 10 with the Zero Waste Advisory Commission (ZWAC), ARR laid out some amendments that could make trash day a whole lot smoother—so let’s break it down!

Shifting Collection Rules for Smooth Sailing

One of the main changes is in the timing for cart collection. Now, residents will need to have their waste carts out by 5:30 a.m. instead of the previous 6:30 a.m.. Don’t worry, you can still place your carts out any time the day before collection, and retrieve them anytime the day after collection. Say goodbye to those annoying time restrictions that used to require cart placement between 10 p.m. the night before and 8 p.m. on collection day. This was a real hassle, especially for those of us working shifts!

Room to Breathe: Cart Placement Rules

Speaking of carts, you’ll want to give them some elbow room. The new amendments specify that carts must now be kept a full 5 feet apart! Previously, they could be as close as 3 feet, but that just didn’t cut it. Plus, carts will no longer be allowed to block bike lanes, sidewalks, driveways, or mail routes. So, let’s keep those areas clear and easy to navigate.

Flexible Recycling and Composting Options

Good news for our environmentally conscious residents! You won’t be stuck using paper lawn bags or plastic bags for excess compost or recycling anymore. Instead, you can use your own reusable containers! Also, if you have excess recycling, you’re free to use cardboard boxes as long as they fit within your cart’s size. Talk about a win for the green community!

Streamlined Waste Collection Process

If you ever find that your waste wasn’t collected, there’s some clarity on that front too. Under the new rules, you will only incurring a fee if you specifically request a return trip from the city. No more unintentional charges for missed pickups!

Community Support and Next Steps

During the ZWAC meeting, the proposed amendments received a big thumbs up as they were unanimously recommended to proceed to the City Council. A hearing and possible adoption of these changes could happen as soon as May or June. So, keep those fingers crossed!

On-Demand Collection for Bulky Items

But wait, there’s more! Starting in January 2025, ARR is launching a brand-new on-demand collection service for bulky trash and hazardous waste. This will allow residents to schedule their own pickup times so that your bulky items don’t just sit around collecting dust (or clutter). Each resident can schedule up to three collections each year for bulky trash, hazardous waste, and brush. It’s a fantastic way to keep our neighborhoods clean!

Convenient Scheduling Made Easy

Scheduling your pickups will be super easy, too! You can do it through the Austin Recycles app, on the city website, or just give Austin 3-1-1 a call. And expect confirmation and reminder emails after you schedule your collection. Could it get any more convenient?

A Step Towards Zero Waste

The ARR is serious about making things easier for us while helping the environment at the same time. With these proposed changes, the city is supporting the zero waste initiative, which helps divert waste from landfills. It’s a win-win for our community and the planet. So, let’s get ready to embrace these changes and make Austin an even cleaner, greener place to live!