City recycling adds hard plastics to mix

Austin Resource Recovery is extending its curbside recycling program to accept all hard plastics in its blue recycling carts for pickup at no extra cost.  Resource Recovery officials say that in addition to plastic bottles and containers, items such as buckets, lawn chairs, laundry baskets, pet carriers, milk crates, non-battery operated toys, totes and lids, tubs, flower pots and trays, dish drainers and trash cans will now be collected. However, plastic foam, plastic bags and plastic wrap are still not allowed. Recyclables are picked up on a biweekly basis and taken to one of two local facilities, Balcones Resources or Texas Disposal Systems, where they are processed and sold to manufacturers. For recycling guidelines, curbside collection schedules and a complete recycling guide, go to austinrecycles.com.