Sugar Land installs solar-powered waste, recycling stations

The city has installed two solar-powered waste and recycling stations in the Sugar Land Town Square plaza as part of its ongoing commitment to improving recycling and sustainability efforts. The two new compacting bins have the capability to hold five times as much trash and recyclables than standard bins. The use of the compacting trash and recyclables bins reduces the amount of trash bags used as well as requires fewer service pickups, said Doug Adolph, Sugar Land assistant director of communications. Once the bins reach full capacity, an electronic sensor wirelessly alerts city staff to service the station. "We hope to encourage people to join the city in its commitment to a sustainable community," Sugar Land Environmental Manager Claudia Notestine said. "The bins will serve as a visual reminder to recycle while visiting Sugar Land Town Square." The compacting stations were purchased by the city through the utilization of solid waste implementation grant funds, which were received from the Houston-Galveston Area Council and installed through a partnership with Planned Community Developers, Adolph said. The bins are located on the north end of the Sugar Land Town Square plaza at the corner of City Walk and Town Square Place. Adolph said the city encourages residents to use the compacting bins and to help keep the city clean and green. In addition, Sugar Land has expanded its curbside recycling program to include cartons. Residents can put cartons such as soup, milk, juice and food cartons in their recycling cart for curbside collection.