Comal County to narrow materials accepted at rural recycling sites, terminate a rural site agreement

Comal County staff told the commissioners on Nov. 6 that recycling at county rural sites will change beginning Jan. 1, 2026: single-stream recycling will no longer be accepted and the county will limit accepted materials to metal, aluminum cans, cardboard, tires, electronics, appliances and brush. The county also plans to begin new brush drop-off fees approved in the 2026 budget and will continue to offer a finer mulch product in bags at no charge.

Staff presentation and details

During the staff report, Mr. Boyd explained the changes: the 2026 budget includes new fees for brush drop-off ranging from $15 to $150 for a dump truck. Staff said the county will no longer accept single-stream material (paper, plastics, glass, food and tin cans) at recycling centers starting Jan. 1, 2026. The county will accept defined streams only: metal, aluminum cans, cardboard, tires, electronics, appliances, and brush. Mr. Boyd also said the county has improved its mulch product — "We have a much finer mulch... it's been really, really popular ... So that'll still be free. We can load it for you when you come out to the yard."

Termination of rural recycling site agreement

Later in the agenda the court considered and approved terminating the land use agreement between Comal County and the Canyon Springs Resort Property Owners Association for a rural recycling location at 691 Canyon Springs Drive. Staff said the five-year agreement was signed previously when single-stream rural sites were in use; with the county changing its recycling acceptance policy, that site is no longer necessary. Commissioners asked that the termination letter include language expressing appreciation for the property owners’ service; staff agreed to add that wording before the county judge signs the termination.

Why it matters

- Starting Jan. 1, 2026, residents who relied on single-stream drop-off points will need to separate accepted materials or use alternate disposal options. - The county’s change is tied to operational and budget decisions included in the 2026 budget and is not a line-item cut in the minutes; staff said the move reflects program design changes in how the county will manage rural recycling.

Speakers (attributed in text)

- Mr. Boyd — Staff member (presenter) - Commissioner Leacotte — Commissioner (mover) - Commissioner Hogg — Commissioner (second) - Judge — County judge (authorized to sign termination)

Authorities

- Existing five-year land-use agreement between Comal County and Canyon Springs Resort Property Owners Association — referenced by staff in connection with termination.

Actions

- Motion: Terminate the land use agreement between Comal County and Canyon Springs Resort Property Owners Association for a rural recycling location at 691 Canyon Springs Drive; mover: Commissioner Leacotte; second: Commissioner Hogg; outcome: approved. County staff will include language of appreciation in the termination letter.

Clarifying details

- Effective date for changes to materials accepted at county recycling centers: January 1, 2026. - New brush drop-off fees (budgeted for 2026) range from $15 to $150 per dump-truck load (exact fee schedule to be published with county materials). - Mulch (finer product) will remain available at no charge.

Proper names

- Canyon Springs Resort Property Owners Association — property owner that hosted the rural recycling site.

Community relevance

Geographies: Unincorporated Comal County and specific rural neighborhoods that used the Canyon Springs site.

Impact groups: Residents using rural recycling sites; property owners that hosted drop-off locations; county solid-waste operations.

Meeting context

Engagement: The recycling changes were previewed in staff reports and later resulted in a formal motion to terminate a site agreement; the subject drew limited public comment but involved operational and budget clarifications from staff.