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Writer's pictureComal Iron & Metals

Think Beyond the Pickup: How to Maximize Your Recycling Impact

Recycling is a vital part of keeping our environment clean and sustainable, and the blue bin system is a tool in that process, but its not the only tool! However, there are ways we can make recycling even more effective by understanding its limitations and expanding our efforts. At Comal Iron & Metals, we believe that by working together, we can enhance recycling practices for our New Braunfels community.



How the Blue Bin System Works – And Its Limitations


The blue bin is what most people think of when it comes to recycling things like paper, plastics, and metals. But one of the biggest challenges with the blue bin system is contamination. Things like food waste, plastic bags, or broken glass can ruin entire batches of recyclables, making them unusable. In fact, contamination in blue bin programs can be as high as 25-30%. Sometimes, people toss in items that can’t be recycled through the bin, and that can cause the whole load to go to waste.


But don’t stress – this doesn’t mean you should stop using the blue bin! In fact, we encourage to know the limitations of the recycling municipality to recycle within their capabilities.  Understanding what is “blue bin approved” will reduce accidental contamination.  Then by recognizing that some items, especially certain metals, need a different approach that is way better for the environment.


Supporting Local Recycling Efforts – The Missing Piece


While the blue bin handles some recyclables well, items like power cords, small appliances, aluminum foil, metal pans, and other metal-rich objects often don’t make it through the system.   Nearly 100% of metals like steel, copper, and aluminum (found in the items mentioned above), can be recycled indefinitely without loss of quality.  This is where we at Comal Iron & Metals come in. By bringing these items to a dedicated metals recycling facility, like ours,  you’re making sure they get recycled properly and put back into use – sometimes for the 100th time!


When you combine the blue bin with our specialized metal recycling services, you’re making a bigger impact on the environment!  Together, we can ensure that valuable metals are recovered, reused, kept out of landfills & most importantly protecting our natural resources.



How Comal Iron & Metals Makes Recycling Easy


We’re here to support your recycling journey and make it as convenient as possible:


  • 🚗 Quick & Easy Drop-Off – Coming This Month!

    Starting next month, we're making recycling a breeze with our brand-new donation bin right outside our gate to support our New Braunfels community! Whether you're cruising by or just out and about, you can easily drop off your recyclable metals – no need to even step inside! (Just remember, no trash, please!) It's the perfect way to make a big impact on our community, one drop-off at a time. Stay tuned!

  • Quick Drop-Offs Anytime: 

    If you prefer a more personalized experience, just let our friendly staff know you’d like to donate your metals, and you’re all set! Learn more here!


Celebrate Your Efforts – Track Your Impact!



We’re adding a fun twist to recycling by offering a punch card to track your contributions. Download your card, and celebrate each step you take towards a greener community!


By supporting both blue bin recycling and local metal recycling, you’re doing your part to make New Braunfels a cleaner, more sustainable place. Thanks for being a recycling champion!


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