One of the future goals of this community project will be to move municipal recycling to land donated by the ejido, but we are not there yet. Once we have a new location another element that could be added is green waste composting that would convert the many yards of plant material now going to the dump into usable mulch and soil amendment. As they say here, "Poco a poco", little by little.
For now, you have at least 2 options to recycle approved materials - curbside pick up, and bringing to the Las Hormigas site.
Further on in this message you will find a list of what is/what isn't accepted by our local recycler.
Some history:
Recycling was one of the first focus areas considered by La Manzanilla Hermosa, a volunteer group formed 3 years ago. People were enthusiastic about initiating some type of recycling since there wasn't anything happening for several years. The community, (especially those from up north where recycling is more integrated into public services), were motivated to recycle.
The primary school Director was very supportive of doing a project at the school which would be part of an environmental education program, and generate some funding for school necessities. We held several well-attended meetings with relevant partners, and formed a small recycling committee - members of the Delegación of La Huerta, the Primaria Director, school staff, students,parents, and volunteers from both expat and local community.
Curbside pick up started last year when La Huerta municipality gave La Manzanilla a dedicated truck to pick up recycling. This greatly increased the volume of material, which is picked up by a family-run business out of Agua Caliente Viejo. Because of the increase in volume we now need to move into the next phase of the project. We are in conversation about relocating the collection site, while continuing environmental education classes and opportunities to learn about recycling on a smaller scale for students.
Current status and guidelines
1. Curbside recycling pickup in La Manzanilla.
The truck with separate bins for recyclable materials makes the rounds at regular trash pick up locations. If you would like to participate in curbside pick up, please put recyclable materials in a reusable container next to your trash. Please do NOT use a plastic bag, which is not recyclable, makes extra work for Las Hormigas workers and volunteers, and adds to landfill waste.
2. Bring your recyclables to the Las Hormigas site
Las Hormigas recycle site, located behind the Primary School on Playa Dorada, is open 24/7 to receive approved materials (you can find the list below). This list has been confirmed with the buyer, Recicladora Tenacatita, in Aguas Calientes Viejo. ALSO Check out the new signage at the site with examples of YES and NO. Unfortunately there are many plastics that are not accepted. It's more complicated than you might think!
If you visit the site you will see the huge amount of cardboard and plastic that is generated by our small village. Pickup occurs on a more or less regular basis by the recycler, but recycling is truly the last resort in removing these materials from our waste stream. Please help keep things tidy by not leaving any non-recyclable trash at Las Hormigas.
RECYCLABLE
Mixed Plastic: all plastic that contained water, soda, milk, juice, yogurt and other dairy products, and cleaning products
Hard Plastic: plastic chairs, crates, and buckets, plastic bottle caps
Cardboard and mixed paper: cardboard, paperboard, books, magazines, paper towel rolls, etc.
Aluminum cans
Mixed metal (Chatarra) (SEPARATE from aluminum): tin, bottle caps, pet food cans, etc.
Batteries - car, household
NON RECYCLABLE
Plastic bottles used for cooking oil
Plastic food "takeout" containers
Highly colored opaque plastic bottles
Red Solo cups used at some events
Large “Garrafon” water bottles
Plastic bags of any shape or size!!
Styrofoam
Aluminum foil
Egg cartons/crates
Waxy containers, "Tetrapaks" (Jumex, coconut milk, almond milk, juice boxes)
Boxed wine
NO GLASS!
Other Reduce, Re-use, Recycle News
The State of Jalisco recently passed a law to phase out single-use plastic and Styrofoam!
Here are some simple ways you can help promote this new habit during your stay in La Manzanilla:
~Remember to bring your own reusable bags when shopping
~Talk to your friends and neighbors about using reusable, not single-use plastic carry bags
~Bring your own cutlery, plates, and takeout containers
~Pack a few extra reusable cloth bags into your travel luggage to share with friends and neighbors
Many of the local businesses in La Manzanilla are embracing this change – Lidia’s, CostaLinda, Alejandra’s at the crucero and La Vaquita Feliz butchershop have all posted signs to inform shoppers of the new rules, and are charging a small fee for single-use plastic carryout bags.
Reducing our purchase and use of single-use plastic is the best way to keep this dangerous material out of the waste stream and out of our beautiful bay.
If you would like further info or to help out in community clean up days please contact
lisafernp@gmail.com, 315-100-9777
Thanks to everyone for your support!
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