July 30, 2008 - Mayor Bill White is warning residents to start recycling - or else.
Houston has recycling bins and pick up across the city, but many residents aren't taking advantage of the programs.
Because of the lack of participation, some neighborhoods possibly risk losing curbside recycling pickup.
"We're putting our stuff out. It's not fair to lump us with other neighborhoods," said Garden Oaks resident - and recycling program participant - Peggy McClard.
In a letter to residents, the city said that 43 neighborhoods have less than 10 percent of the households putting their recycling curbside. If those numbers don't pick up, the recycling trucks are going to stop coming through.
"It doesn't justify for us to go down the street, using the diesel (fuel)," said Marina Joseph of the city's waste management department.
If neighborhoods lose curbside recycling service, residents who want to stay green, will have to drive to an area recycling center. You'll also find at those centers people already recycling who would love to have curbside pickup.
Actually, the city said there are 23,000 to 25,000 homes on a waiting list.
