Celebrating Texas Recycles Day Grants with Coca-Cola Southwest Beverages

Fort Clark Springs

Boosting Efficiency at a Community Recycle Center

Population: 1,487 | Grant: $9,500

The Fort Clark Recycle Center used its Texas Recycles Day grant to improve the efficiency and cost-effectiveness of its operations. With the funding, the team purchased a refurbished baler, replacing their previous process of hand-baling and shipping materials in large boxes.

The new equipment allows them to bale recyclables more quickly and securely, significantly increasing the volume they can process and improving the prices received for their materials. In the first few months after installing the baler, the center had collected 8,780 pounds of PET plastic and 3,740 pounds of aluminum—keeping valuable resources in circulation and reducing landfill waste in their community.

Alpine

Supporting Community Recycling Through At-Home Collection

Population: 5,815 | Grant: $4,811.54

To strengthen its existing recycling program, Alpine used its Texas Recycles Day grant to make recycling easier and more accessible for residents. The project provided 400 reusable recycling totes, each clearly labeled with accepted materials to help residents sort correctly and recycle more effectively at home.

The totes were distributed at local events—including Earth Day and Cinco de Mayo celebrations, as well as through the Food Pantry and Recycling Center—helping reach a broad cross-section of the community.

At the conclusion of the grant reporting period, residents collected 12,160 pounds of PET plastic and 1,371 pounds of aluminum, demonstrating the power of simple tools and education in boosting recycling participation.

Victoria

Reducing Recycling Contamination Through Targeted Outreach

Population: 65,372| Grant: $9,000

To help residents recycle more effectively, the City of Victoria used its Texas Recycles Day grant to target neighborhoods with higher contamination levels. The project combined education, outreach, and household support to make recycling clearer and easier for residents.

Victoria conducted a waste assessment survey to identify areas most in need, then implemented a multi-pronged plan: applying recycle-how-to stickers to bins, distributing 22,000 bilingual flyers in utility bills, creating six short educational videos, and providing 200 sturdy household recycling bins at a neighborhood cleanup event.

The effort reached residents through local television and radio, social media, and community events—including city council meetings, STEM fairs, and Rotary Club gatherings. These coordinated actions resulted in a 10% decrease in recycling contamination and a measurable reduction in household hazardous waste pickups.

Temple

Expanding Recycling Awareness and Services

Population: 89,458| Grant: $5,500

The City of Temple used its Texas Recycles Day grant to launch a six-month media campaign aimed at improving curbside and drop-off recycling. The project combined local advertising, educational materials, and service expansion to reach more residents and reduce contamination.

Temple aired two television commercials, distributed postcards at six community events, and installed glass decals on collection trailers to guide proper recycling. In July 2024, the city expanded services to nearby Nolanville, moving residents from drop-off trailers to curbside collection.

These efforts led to a 47% increase in glass collected at trailers and a reduction in contamination, while the expansion brought recycling services to 7,010 additional residents, helping the community recycle smarter and more efficiently.

City of Plainview

Educating the Community Through Video

Population: 23,300 | Grant: $6,000

The City of Plainview used its Texas Recycles Day grant to create a marketing video aimed at educating residents about local recycling opportunities and best practices. Using data provided by Keep Texas Beautiful, the video highlighted the impact of proper recycling and encouraged participation across the community.

The video premiered at a local venue and was shared on social media, reaching over 3,200 users through posts. Plainview also showcased the initiative at two community events, attended by roughly 100 residents. The campaign helped residents gain access to recycling, resulting in 175 tons of materials collected and 500 residents engaged. With a community population of approximately 23,300, this project represents a meaningful step toward broader recycling awareness and participation.

Real County

Creating a Permanent Recycling Drop-Off in Leakey

Population:462 | Grant: $5,000

Real County focused its grant on establishing a permanent recycling drop-off location in Leakey, TX, to make recycling more accessible for local residents. After years of requesting city-owned land, the county secured a suitable site and overcame delays caused by flooding, site orientation changes, and builder scheduling.

Once complete, the new drop-off location was promoted via Facebook and through community postcards, ensuring residents knew where and how to recycle. This project provides a long-term, convenient option for the community, supporting ongoing local recycling efforts and helping keep Real County beautiful.