January 27, 2009 (Midland) — Residents of Midland are enthusiastic about recycling! But some are taking it a bit too far. Items for recycling are being left OUTSIDE of the containers at some public recycling areas – and that can be considered littering (see photos at right).

When recycling containers at public areas and public schools become full, recyclers have three choices:

1. Hold on to the items for recycling until that container is empty.
   
2. Take the items to another recycling location.
   
3. Take to Butts Recycling at 26 West Industrial Loop.

“Those who recycle are trying to do the right thing”, said Doreen Richardson, Executive Director of Keep Midland Beautiful. “If recycled items are left outside of the containers, chances are they become litter. The wind can blow the items away before the container is emptied, and the recycling truck driver is not required to get out and pick up the items left by the containers. Some people even believe leaving those items qualifies as illegal dumping.”

City of Midland Solid Waste Supervisor Morris Williams Jr. adds, “State litter laws and City Illegal Dumping laws restrict putting any item, including recycling, where it doesn’t belong, and recycling only belongs in the recycling containers.”

The following is a list of recycling container locations in Midland:

• Off Midkiff and Wadley - Recycling containers for Plastics, Cardboard, and Plastic Grocery Bags
  
  
• Off Midland Drive and Loop 250 - Recycling containers for Cardboard, Plastics and Paper
  
  
• Off Rankin Highway and I-20 - Recycling containers for Cardboard and Paper
  
  
• Off Big Spring and Scharbauer Drive - Recycling container for Cardboard
  
  
• Off Andrews Hwy. and Cuthbert - Recycling containers for Cardboard, Plastics, Paper and Aluminum
  
  
• At Midland College Chaparral Parking Lot – Recycling containers for Cardboard, Plastics, Paper and Aluminum

The recycling containers at the MISD Elementary schools remain in place.

ALL recyclables can be taken to Butts Recycling
Monday thru Friday at 26 West Industrial Loop

For more information call KMB at 687-7400 or City of Midland Solid Waste at 685-7278

Keep Midland Beautiful educates and engages Midlanders in litter prevention, beautification and waste management. For more information on our projects, programs and the Trio of Gardens, visit our website at www.keepmidlandbeautiful.org.