Green waste includes grass clippings, weeds and leaves, according to a news release.
What you need know
The May 15 decision formalizes a change in policy that has been in place since December. The change was prompted by a surplus of mulch the county already has on hand and other issues with contamination, particularly from green waste bags, according to the news release.
County Engineer Robert Boyd said the new brush policies will not only allow for a safer brush and mulch operation, but also provide a higher quality mulch to the public.
Although the city has encouraged the use of brown paper green waste bags to separate green waste from other brush, residents have been encouraged to put their green waste bags in their regular green trash bins since late last year, the release states.
Green waste being mixed with household waste assists with breaking down landfill waste, which generates gas that is harvested and converted to electricity. That electricity is then fed directly into the New Braunfels Utilities grid, which generates power for over 3,000 homes, the release states.
What else?
Although the county’s new policy is now in effect, the city will continue to pick up green waste bags until New Braunfels City Council and city staff evaluate the future of the curbside green waste recycling program.
Residents are encouraged to continue placing their green waste inside the large brown bags and place those bags in their green trash bins for weekly pickup or place them at the curb for pickup on their normal recycling day, the release states.
