The City of El Paso is inviting residents to weigh in on a proposed change to how trash and recycling are collected. Under the draft amendment, the director of Environmental Services would gain authority to decide the most appropriate placement for the gray (trash) and blue (recycling) bins, including moving them from curbside locations to alleys.
Why the change is being considered
City officials say the shift could improve safety and efficiency. By moving bins into alleys, collection trucks would have clearer streets for traffic, and pedestrians would face fewer obstacles when walking or driving near the curb. The proposal also aims to reduce the likelihood of illegal dumping and to keep neighborhoods looking tidier.
Public meetings scheduled
To gather community feedback, the Environmental Services Department has scheduled a series of meetings that will run twice a week until Nov. 18. The dates, times, and locations are:
- Nov. 9, 6 p.m. – Westside Regional Command Center, 4801 Osbourne Dr.
- Nov. 12, 6 p.m. – Northeast Regional Command Center, 9600 Dyer St.
- Nov. 12, 6 p.m. – Irving Schwartz Library, 1865 Dean Martin Dr.
- Nov. 17, 5:30 p.m. – Wayne Thornton Community Center, 3134 Jefferson Ave.
- Nov. 18, 5:30 p.m. – Beast Recreational Center, 13501 Jason Crandall
- Nov. 18, 6 p.m. – Pat O’Rourke Recreation Center, 901 N. Virginia St.
Residents are encouraged to attend the location most convenient for them and share any concerns or suggestions. The city will compile comments and consider them before the code amendment moves to the City Council for a final vote.
Next steps
If the City Council approves the amendment, the director of Environmental Services would implement the new placement policy. The change would not affect the frequency of collection; it would simply alter where the bins sit while waiting for pickup.
City leaders stress that the proposal is not a mandate to immediately relocate all bins. Instead, it provides flexibility for the department to make adjustments on a case‑by‑case basis, taking into account neighborhood layout, traffic patterns, and resident input.
How to stay informed
Updates on the proposal, including any revisions to the meeting schedule or additional public‑hearing opportunities, will be posted on the City of El Paso’s official website and on the Environmental Services Department’s social‑media channels. Residents who cannot attend in person may submit written comments via the city’s online portal.
The city’s approach reflects a broader effort to modernize municipal services while keeping community voices at the forefront of decision‑making. By involving neighbors early in the process, officials hope to craft a solution that balances efficiency, safety, and the aesthetic concerns of El Paso’s neighborhoods.
Original reporting: El Paso News (HLL/CB) — read the source article.
