Bulk Collection will happen in my neighborhood next week. Information on what can and cannot be accepted is available at http://www.austintexas.gov/department/residential-bulk-collection. Sign up for collection reminders, including Bulk and Brush, at http://www.austintexas.gov/page/my-collection-schedule. You can add your schedule to Google, iCal or Outlook, or you can print it. You can also sign up for text (and…
Several years ago my pre-lit Christmas tree lights began to go out. Eventually two entire tiers (of three) burned out. My mom came by and cut all the original lights off of the tree and we strung a single strand through each tier. I bought a Christmas tree bag so we could lay the tiers…
A new but recently frequent topic I’ve been asked about is if plastic berry, salad/greens and sushi boxes can be recycled in the blue single stream carts. Yes they can! You do not have to remove the stickers, just rinse, dry and throw them in the recycling cart. Reminders: Pull the berry juice pads/the white…
In case you didn’t know, the entire spray bottle should not be put as-is in the recycling carts. The bottle bottom is okay to drop in the recycling cart. The entire lid/spray mechanism is best tossed in the trash. There is a metal spring in the pump mechanism enabling it to actually spray. If you…
I love seasonal beverages! They’re my favorite treat! I love to try the holiday flavors that come out at this time of year. Unfortunately I’ve discovered that Trader Joe’s, my husband’s favorite place to treat me, is not earth friendly with their seasonal beverage selections. I dislike calling out a specific company, but there were…
Thanksgiving is almost upon us! Here is a quick possible checklist for Thanksgiving recycling and composting! Obviously this will be for anything not eaten or washed (if reusable)! Please use the results to determine how you want to begin! When shopping consider if an item will be recyclable, compostable, or trashed. Turkey Wrapper goes in…
Free secure document paper shredding Austin ARMA will host the fall shred day Saturday November 16, 2019 at Balcones Shred. Be careful to read the map(s) provided by Austin ARMA. The address posted is not always the exact entrance you will use for drive through. Secure document shredding may be available on site but please…
One of the big changes one can make going zero waste is reusing containers. Glass and metal will hold up over time and stay in the recycling stream longer. Plastic can in many cases be recycled as well, but only a few times. Health concerns may affect the type of material you choose. Also consider…
Have you heard about or seen a teal pumpkin at Halloween? I want to share about this great program for two reasons:1) It’s a great project and I think we should try to be considerate of those with allergies being a severe allergy sufferer myself, and 2) It’s actually an easy way to host a…
This article originally appeared in the October 2019 edition of the Front Porch Flyer. Holidays can offer an exercise in creativity and reuse, and an opportunity to connect with neighbors. Here are some ideas to “green” your Halloween: Candy/Treats Try to find boxed/paper candy that can be recycled/composted: Nerds, Dots, Milk Duds, Junior Mints, fake…