Texas Recycles Day & America Recycles Day: Austin + San Marcos Events, Tips & FAQs
America Recycles Day & Texas Recycles Day in Austin and San Marcos: Events, Benefits, and How to Recycle Right
Your Hero Moment Starts Here
- San Marcos “Easy Recycling” Drop-Off — Saturday, Nov 15, 11:00 AM – 1:00 PM at 101 Brody Ln, San Marcos, TX 78666. Bring hard-to-recycle items, and we’ll help route them properly. RSVP: https://lp.irepresale.com/event-sm
- Austin “Thrift Shop Olympics” — Saturday, Nov 15, 2:00 PM – 6:00 PM at 7601 S. Congress, Suite 550A. Minute-to-win-it games that spotlight reuse and upcycling with comic-book flair. RSVP: https://lp.irepresale.com/event
What Is America Recycles Day (a.k.a. “National Recycle Day”)?
America Recycles Day is a nationwide observance held every November 15. The goal is simple: help people recycle right and keep materials circulating in the economy rather than going to the landfill. Schools, small businesses, nonprofits, and cities organize activities, pledges, and drop-offs to make doing the right thing easier than ever.
Quick answer: “National Recycle Day” = America Recycles Day on November 15.
What Is Texas Recycles Day—and Why It Matters Locally
Texas Recycles Day lands on the same date—November 15—and it’s rooted in Texas pride. Our local infrastructure, drop-off options, and city rules determine what actually gets recycled, so a Texas-specific push makes a real difference. Austin and San Marcos each have programs and guidelines, and our events are designed to plug you directly into those resources without the guesswork.
- Austin: curbside rules, composting, and a Recycle & Reuse Drop-Off Center for household hazardous waste and hard-to-recycle items.
- San Marcos: Resource Recovery programs to increase landfill diversion and connect residents with local partners (including the Green Guy Recycling drop-off).
Bottom line: the clearer the directions and the easier the access, the better our recycling outcomes.
Event #1: San Marcos “Easy Recycling” Drop-Off (11 AM – 1 PM)
Who it’s for: anyone with a “not sure where this goes” pile—batteries, cords and cables, light bulbs, empty/latex paint cans, small e-waste, plastic film, and more.
What to expect
- Friendly volunteers to point each item to the right stream.
- Guidance on what never belongs in curbside carts (like batteries and tanglers).
- Tips for safe handling of household hazardous items.
- Free “Hero Gift” at check-in for attendees.
Community benefits
- Keeps hazardous items out of trucks and sorting lines (reducing fire risk and downtime).
- Cuts contamination that can send whole loads to landfill.
- Makes proper recycling convenient, which drives participation.
Planet benefits
- Captures high-value materials for reuse and recycling.
- Reduces greenhouse gases from landfilling and virgin-material extraction.
- Strengthens our local circular economy by channeling items to the right place the first time.
Event #2: Austin “Thrift Shop Olympics” (2 PM – 6 PM)
Who it’s for: families, friends, and anyone who likes a little friendly competition with their sustainability.
What to expect?
- Minute-to-win-it games inspired by reuse and upcycling.
- Team signups (2–4 people), photo ops, bragging rights.
- Real-world demos: how repair, resale, and upcycling stretch the life of home goods and fashion.
- Free “Hero Gift” at check-in for attendees.
Why does reuse matter as much as recycling?
- Extending the life of furniture, clothing, electronics, and housewares avoids the largest chunk of environmental impact: making new stuff.
- It’s budget-friendly and community-friendly—supporting local resale and repair shops (like us 😄).
RSVP: https://lp.irepresale.com/event
Pro tip: If you love treasure hunting, browse our latest finds on IREP Resale.
How These Events Help the Community—and the World
Less contamination, more capture. When people know what belongs where, more material actually gets recycled. That preserves resources and reduces pollution.
Safer crews and facilities. Batteries and pressurized containers can ignite in trucks and MRFs. Getting them into special handling protects workers and equipment.
Local economic value. Resale, repair, and recycling support jobs—from drivers and sorters to refurbishers and retail associates—while keeping dollars circulating locally.
Cleaner neighborhoods, creeks, and parks. Good systems mean fewer littered bottles, bags, and microplastics.
Climate benefits. Recycling often requires less energy than producing goods from virgin materials; reuse avoids new manufacturing altogether. Both actions shrink emissions upstream.
FAQ: Does Texas Pay for Recycling Bottles?
Short answer: Not at this time. Texas does not have a state container-deposit law (“bottle bill”).
Where deposits do exist: Ten U.S. states (plus Guam)—including
California, Connecticut, Hawaii, Iowa, Maine, Massachusetts, Michigan, New York, Oregon, and Vermont—offer a deposit (often
5–10¢) that you get back when you return the empty container. These programs typically lead to
higher container recycling rates,
less litter, and
cleaner material for remanufacturers. It provides incentives to people to help.
What can Texans do instead?
- Put clean, empty, and dry bottles and cans loose in the curbside cart (never in plastic bags).
- Use city drop-offs when needed.
- Choose reusable bottles and jugs whenever possible.
- Contact state representatives and let them know you support bottle bills.
FAQ: What Day Is World Recycling Day?
Globally, the celebration is called Global Recycling Day, and it’s held on March 18 every year. Think of it as the international cousin to America Recycles Day. It recognizes recycling as an essential resource that helps protect the planet’s future.
FAQ: What Are the 3 Rules of Recycling?
Every city has its list of accepted items, but these three rules work almost everywhere:
- Only what your city accepts. Lists change, so check your city’s page before you toss.
- Keep it clean and dry. Empty containers, quick rinse as needed. Food-soiled paper generally isn’t recyclable; in Austin, that belongs in compost.
- Keep it loose—no bags. Plastic bags and film jam sorting equipment. Use store drop-off programs or city guidance for film.
Bonus rule for safety: Batteries, bulbs, chemicals, and sharps never belong in curbside recycling or trash. Use HHW and specialty drop-offs.
Quick Prep List for Nov 15
RSVP: San Marcos (11–1) → https://lp.irepresale.com/event-sm • Austin (2–6) → https://lp.irepresale.com/event
Make 3 piles: (A) clean curbside recyclables, (B) special items (batteries, bulbs, cords, small e-waste, empty paint cans, plastic film), (C) reusables/donations.
Confirm hours/what’s accepted for any specialty items.
Bring questions. We’ll help you route tough items in seconds.
Share a win: Post a photo from the event and tag us—your example helps neighbors learn.
Why We Care (and Why We’re Celebrating)
This year, our team was honored with two statewide awards recognizing our sustainability efforts and community impact in Texas. We’re proud—but mostly we’re motivated. Awards are nice; action is better. These events are about making real progress, one household decision at a time, with a smile.

If you’ve ever felt overwhelmed by recycling rules or unsure what to do with “weird” items, these events are for you. Come for the convenience and the fun; leave with a few new habits that make a lasting difference.
America Recycles Day and Texas Recycles Day are more than a date on the calendar—they’re a chance to make the right thing the easy thing, together. Whether you’re dropping off tricky items in San Marcos or competing at the Thrift Shop Olympics in Austin, you’ll leave with clear answers, new habits, and a lighter footprint.

See you on November 15—and thanks for helping Central Texas recycle, reuse, and thrive.
