Clean Up the Right Way: What Abilene Residents Should Never Toss

As Summer Heats Up, Here's How Texans Can Safely Clean Out the Garage
With the sizzling Texas summer in full swing, now’s the perfect time to tackle those sheds, closets, and garage corners we’ve ignored all year. But before you start tossing things out, there are a few important rules and a couple of smart city services you’ll want to keep in mind.

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Don’t Mess With Texas (Or the Law)

Texas is proud of its long-running “Don’t Mess With Texas” anti-littering campaign, but beyond the catchy slogan lies a real truth: illegal dumping and improper disposal of hazardous waste can land you in serious trouble. We’re talking about things like:

• Paint and stains
• Paint thinners and removers
• Automotive fluids and oils
• Bug killers
• Batteries
• Pesticides
• Pool chemicals
• Old electronics
• Tires

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Dumping these into your regular trash bin or a random dumpster is strictly illegal, and it poses real dangers to our environment and drinking water.

What I Found in My Shed Might Surprise You

This summer, I rolled up my sleeves and opened the old project closet, and whew. I had everything from half-empty paint cans to bottles of old varnish and bug killer I haven’t touched in years. That’s when I asked myself the same question many West Texans face: Where do I safely get rid of this stuff?

Here's Where Abilene Residents Can Drop Off Hazardous Waste
Thankfully, the City of Abilene has us covered. If you're a resident (no commercial businesses), you can take your unwanted hazardous materials to:

• Environmental Recycling Center
• Monday-Saturday from 8 AM-4 PM
• 2209 Oak Street, Abilene, TX
• Call 325-676-6053 for more info
• You’ll need to bring a water bill or driver’s license with an Abilene address to use the service.

Read More: How Abilene's New Zoning Laws Affect Local Shops 

Where to Take Regular Recycling

If you're looking to get rid of cardboard, plastic, and paper, the city has multiple drop-off bins around town. No dangerous chemicals as listed above. Other recycling bins can be located throughout Abilene at these locations:

• 1345 Barrow Street (HEB Parking Lot)
• 4350 Southwest Drive (South Walmart Parking Lot)
• 4580 Buffalo Gap Road (Under the Water Tower)
• 920 North Willis Street (Udited Supermarket Parking Lot)
• 1657 TX Hwy-351 (North Walmart Parking Lot)

Make Cleanup Easier with Approved Dumpsters

Abilene and a couple of private companies also offer other services, like when I started the remodel on the house, or when the roofers came, they brought in these handy long dumpsters that make it more convenient and and you don't have to be driving all around town looking for the recycling centers, whether the Environmental Services Center or the Abilene Brush Center and Citizen's Convenience Center.

Trash Smarter, Abilene

The city encourages citizens to be more responsible with what we are throwing in our trash bins. To learn more about proper waste and recycling, visit the  official waste management website: Abilene Environmental Services

Who Knew Recycling Could Be So Entertaining?

By the way, whomever came up with these music video PSAs, they are awesome, educational, and entertaining. I love that our city uses creativity to reach folks and remind us how important it is to take care of this place we call home.