Do’s and Don’ts of recycling in the Borderland

EL PASO, Texas (KVIA) -- April is the home to the worldwide holiday - Earth Day. While we should be protecting and caring for our earth every day, April 22 is the day the world gives our planet a whole lotta love. As Earth Day approaches, some of the common activities are planting trees or other plants, not littering, and recycling!

Here in the Borderland, you have many opportunities to recycle your goods. Many neighborhoods have recycling bins to dispose of those recyclable items, and there are five different Citizen Collection Stations across the city. The latter is the only option for apartment goers, as apartment complexes do not have recycling dumpsters.

How does it work? It's very simple- if you are recycling glass, paper, plastic, or cardboard, pull up to any of the five sites, let the workers know, and they will point you in the right direction. However, if you are going to be getting rid of some bigger items, such as tree branches, televisions or other appliances, you'll have to show proof that you live in the region, by showing a bill with your address. It's easy, painless, and only costs you the time of driving to the location and back.

But what can you recycle? Glass bottles are accepted, some plastics, cardboard, and some paper will all be collected there. Make sure you are reading the package label to see if it is actually recyclable in the first place. In addition, sometimes the bottle may be recyclable but the label is not. Look for the recycling symbols on the items you will be recycling. Happy Earth Day!