Collection & Management Methods

Up to 38% of the waste stream in the H-GAC region fall under the category construction and demolition (C&D) waste. It is estimated that up to 90% of C&D waste can be diverted from the landfill through reuse or recycling.

Guide to Developing Building Material Reuse Centers 2008 (PDF) 8M
Residential C & D Waste Study 2005 (PDF) 2.1M

Household Hazardous Waste (HHW) such as oil based paints, motor oil, pesticides and lead-acid batteries present a real disposal challenge. While these wastes constitute only a small percentage of the residential waste stream, the potential damage from improper disposal is significant.

Household Hazardous Waste Facts (PDF) 104K
Get the Power Over Household Chemicals  (PDF) 4.89M
Tome El Control Sobre Los Quimicos Del Hogar  (PDF) 4.92M

Used electronics represent the fastest growing segment of the municipal waste stream and includes electronic products such as TVs, computers, cell phones, VCRs, and stereos. These products may contain toxic materials such as lead, barium, mercury, and cadmium, which are harmful to the environment

Used Electronics - Facts (PDF) 130K

Organic Waste

Organics, such as food scraps and yard trimmings, represent a large portion of the waste disposed of in the H-GAC region. However, diversion efforts for organics have historically been limited due to the different collection strategies and processing needs for this material stream. H-GAC staff recognized the need for training and education on organics diversion and management strategies for entities in the region.

Organics Waste Management for Large Public Institutions (PPS) 6.7M
Organics Waste Management for Large Public Institutions - Study (PDF) 5M

Recycling and Source Reduction

H-GAC has a regional goal to reduce the per capita amount of solid waste by 80% by the year 2012. Through the efforts of cities, counties and schools in our region, we've already seen a significant reduction in the waste stream - from 6.2 to 6.15 pounds per day. That translates into 50,000 tons less in regional landfills.

Recycling and Waste Minimization Case Studies (PDF) 3.1M
Recycling Activity Book for Children (PDF) 20M
Communities Considering Adopting a Recycling Program (PDF) 95K
Recycling Workshop Resources

Heavy Trash

Heavy trash are items too big to put in the garbage, such as refrigerators, stoves, air conditioners, washers, dryers, damaged furniture or mattresses. Some of these products also contain toxins that contaminate water and soil if not properly thrown away.