Recycling Increases 200 Percent in Sugar Land

Sugar Land, Texas - Recycling increased more than 200 percent during the first four months of Sugar Land’s new solid waste program.

Residents recycled more than 850 tons of materials in December, 700 tons in January, 915 tons in February and 1,290 tons in March.  More than 30 percent of the waste has been diverted from landfills since the program’s implementation in December. 

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.

March is typically the month when green waste placed at the curb significantly increases. More than 735 tons of green waste was collected and recycled into mulch or compost last month.

Guidelines for green waste placed at the curb follow:

●     Loose materials such as grass clippings and leaves should be

placed in reusable containers or bags that are securely tied.

●     Clear or translucent bags are recommended. Compostable bags are

not required.

●     Brush and tree limbs must be less than 4 inches in diameter and

less than 4 feet in length.

●     Brush and tree limbs must be stacked in small piles (3 feet high

and 3 feet wide). Bundling of tree limbs is not required, but recommended.

●     Green waste should be set out at the curb at least four feet

from other objects.

●     Do not place green waste in City issued garbage or recycle

carts.

●     Lawn care professionals should be asked to service yards prior

to collection days.