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The City of McAllen’s Public Works Department encourages residents to keep the holidays clean and green by recycling properly and taking advantage of convenient local recycling services. By following a few simple guidelines, residents can help reduce contamination, protect local resources, save landfill space, and support the creation of new products from recycled materials.
Curbside and Drop-Off options are available for your convenience. Residents can recycle conveniently through regular curbside collection or by visiting the drive-through Recycling Center at 4101 N. Bentsen Road, which accepts glass, paper, cardboard, aluminum and tin cans, and plastics #1 and #2. Both options are designed to make recycling quick, simple, and accessible during the busy holiday season.
Residents who need a blue recycling bin for home curbside service can request one by contacting the McAllen Recycling Center at (956) 681-4050.
Recycling the right items in the right way keeps McAllen’s streets and facilities clean and efficient, helping Public Works manage waste more effectively and keep costs down. Your participation makes a measurable difference in maintaining a sustainable and beautiful community.
To ensure our recycling program runs smoothly throughout the busy season, Public Works recommends the following:
• Wrap It Right: Only plain, non-metallic wrapping paper and non-embellished greeting cards can be recycled. Foil, glitter, and musical cards must go in the trash.
• Flatten Boxes: Break down all cardboard boxes to maximize space in carts and bins.
• Avoid “Tanglers”: Items like string lights, tinsel, ribbon, and bows can damage sorting equipment. These go in the trash or can be taken to specialized drop-off spots when available.
• Skip Styrofoam & Plastic Film: These are not accepted in curbside bins — consider returning plastic bags and bubble wrap to grocery stores that offer film recycling.
• Rinse Containers: Empty food and beverage containers should be rinsed before recycling to prevent contamination.
• Christmas Trees: Remove all ornaments and stands. Cut larger trees to fit green bins or check for designated recycling or mulch programs after the holidays.
Residents should visit the City’s website and follow McAllen Public Works and McAllen Recycling Center social channels for any updates, holiday hours, and reminders about service schedules throughout December and January.
For more information on what can and cannot be recycled, how to get a blue bin, or to find your curbside collection day, visit the McAllen Public Works Recycling Page at www.mcallenpublicworks.net or call (956) 681-4050.
