Weslaco advances voluntary curbside recycling ordinance in first reading

The Weslaco City Commission on Dec. 17 advanced a voluntary curbside recycling program by approving the first reading of proposed ordinance 2024-37.

Staff described the draft ordinance as a pilot program that would charge a $5 fee per bin, run a twice-monthly curbside collection on a voluntary basis and impose progressive penalties for contamination (warning, $15 second offense, $25 third offense and possible service discontinuation). The draft calls for a future agreement with McAllen to accept recyclables; staff said McAllen has indicated acceptance and the city will provide a formal interlocal agreement when adopted.

Commissioners questioned the $5-per-bin fee and whether existing trucks can handle the route. Staff said the city would use the current fleet, run routes on maintenance Wednesdays and monitor workload; additional trucks would be considered only if participation grew to roughly 700–1,400 bins. Commissioner Farias asked for a review of fee options and regional benchmarks; the commission approved the first reading with a direction that Commissioner Farias review fee and cost information for the final reading.

Supporters of the program noted educational outreach already conducted at local schools and emphasized that diverting recyclables reduces landfill tonnage. Staff said violations would be monitored by crews (who can visually identify large contaminates at the hopper) and that sorting at McAllen would catch mixed materials not identified at collection.

The ordinance returns for formal consideration at the commission’s first meeting in January, when staff expects to include any recommended fee adjustments and the draft interlocal agreement.