The Baylor University revised “Animals on Campus Policy” inhibits the feeding of any cats on campus property. Baylor originally issued the “Animals on Campus Policy” in December of 2009, and it was last revised in June of 2023, with the content reportedly being pushed and publicized to students, faculty, and staff in May of 2025. The purpose of this policy is to address the health and safety concerns that animals pose to the campus community, with things such as allergies, disruptions, injuries, disease transmission, and damage to property. Makes sense.
Most of the policy addresses things like service animals in campus classrooms, pets in dormitories, and information about the possible wild animals on campus. However, on page six of the Baylor policy, it states, “For safety, feral cats or loose dogs without owners should be treated with the same caution as a wild animal.” This policy fails to mention pre-existing community cat colonies on campus by not assigning them definitions nor establishing their protections for their current daily habits. If these habits and protections are still in place, Baylor has simply failed to mention it.
I read through the City of Waco’s Municipal Codes, specifically Chapter 5 on ANIMALS, and they define a community cat as any free-roaming cat, regardless of socialization or sociability, cared for by one or more known or unknown residents of the immediate area. Baylor cannot morally, ethically, or legally ask people to stop caring for community cats, when they are recognized as legal entities within city municipalities.
From Chapter 5, Section 129, the City of Waco defines negligent care as failing, refusing, or neglecting to provide any animal in a person’s charge or custody, as owner or otherwise, with proper food, drink, shade, shelter, or veterinary care as may be necessary.
Animal Birth Control of Waco has submitted a proposal to Baylor administration that would allow them to officially manage the campus cat colonies while addressing the university’s concerns about other wildlife. The controversy comes at a particularly sensitive time for the Waco community.
In May, two cats were found shot and hanged from utility lines near the Baylor campus, sparking widespread outrage. Not to mention, Chase the Blue Heeler puppy was just saved from an abusive owner in Lacy Lakeview and is now living with Officer Nathan Rodriguez, who says he “seems very happy in his new home.”
On Friday, a volunteer with Animal Birth Control of Waco arrived to feed cats at one of several colonies she regularly visits on campus. The volunteer was met with a pest control worker, who allegedly told her Baylor University had hired his company to trap and relocate all the feral cats on campus. Carrie Spivey, executive director of Animal Birth Control of Waco, says the cats in question aren’t just strays — they’re part of a managed colony program. Spivey says that relocating these cats would be both illegal and inhumane under Texas law. The cats have become an integral part of campus life, with students regularly interacting with them, taking photos, and giving them names.
While the cats are still alive and well, how long will Baylor be keeping them around? Feeding stray animals is not a crime. College aged students should know to not interact with dangerous, wild animals. Finally, I’d rather care for helpless, innocent creatures than worry about infrastructure with a budget for cleaning.
Elizabeth Riley hails from Tennessee and is a graduate of English Literature and Professional Writing & Rhetoric from Baylor University. With passions in archival preservation, communal connection, and women in sports, she writes because it matters, with hopes of bridging villages and fostering revelry amongst them.
The Robinson Family Farm is opening up for Fall Festivities on Saturday, September 27th. Get ready for family-friendly fun, including helicopter rides, pig races, food trucks, putt-putt games, farm animals, zip lines, pumpkin patches, crazy desserts, live concerts, gift shops and so much more. The Robinson Family Farm’s Fall Fest will go on through the month of October, so plan your visit to the Farm soon!
The Western Belle Family Farm will be starting their fall celebrations on the same day, Saturday, September 27th. Open until early November, the Western Belle Family Farm is open for plenty of time to catch their pumpkin patches, hay rides, farm animals, zip lines, delicious foods, and so much more.
Over in Hewitt, Skellington Courtesies keeps the spooky vibes going year round, with inquisitive oddities, dark decor, and metaphysical supplies for all your witchy needs. Check out the curious collection at 512 N Hewitt Drive for books, candles, crystals, and all of your upcoming Halloween-season essentials.
Gallery 11 is dedicated to offering high-quality gems and jewelry to delight customers from every walk of life. Their focus on community and customer service means you’ll have a stellar experience, every time. Lucy, the official shop dog, is excited to welcome you to their pet-friendly business. Kara, the owner who founded Gallery 11 in January 2023, sources premium crystals and jewelry throughout the year, so stop by the store to see what’s new!
Downtown Waco is full of unique art galleries and interesting exhibits that attract visitors from all over the country. However, instead of exploring the conventional art galleries in Waco, try to find the locations of the six spooky rat murals painted by Xavier Prou, a well-known Parisian artist. By exploring Franklin and Austin Avenue, visitors can discover the locations of these murals. The best way to go on this unique journey is by finding the mural locations by yourself without spoilers.
Waco is the birthplace of Dr. Pepper. For this reason, visitors often go to the Dr. Pepper Museum in Waco to explore the fascinating history of this popular beverage. However, there’s an experience inside the museum that is known for being unique and memorable: making your own soda. The Make-a-Soda tour at the Dr. Pepper Museum allows visitors to create their own unique, weird soda flavor – make it as weird or as plain as possible! General admission to the museum is just $10 per person, but the Make-a-Soda tour costs an additional $10.
Elizabeth Riley hails from Tennessee and is a graduate of English Literature and Professional Writing & Rhetoric from Baylor University. With passions in archival preservation, communal connection, and women in sports, she writes because it matters, with hopes of bridging villages and fostering revelry amongst them.
Driven Body Art Tattoos and Piercings
5312 Hawthorne Drive, Waco, TX 76710
Driven Body Art strives for the best customer service, giving every client a unique experience that fits their needs. They have eight different artists with well-rounded, ranging styles, from American Traditional to Realism Portraits. Driven Body Art will even do cover-ups and accept credit cards! By choosing quality over quantity, this studio keeps clients satisfied by informing them about the entire tattoo process, ensuring that they love their life-long art.
Embrace the Chaos Tattoo Studio
728 Washington Avenue, Waco, TX 76701
With an enormous studio located in the heart of downtown Waco, Embrace the Chaos is a gorgeous place that prides itself on cleanliness and privacy. Opened in late 2018 by Jason Williams, this tattoo studio has grown to five artists. These artists are each equipped with their unique talents, yet their work is exceptional regardless of the piece. They highly encourage booking an appointment in advance, but artists take walk-ins on a limited basis.
Hidden Gems
815 Lake Air Drive Suite 2, Waco, TX 76710
This female-owned tattoo and piercing studio is an aesthetic dreamscape. This kid-friendly space is not only gorgeous, but it prioritizes experience and education for both artists and clients. Hidden Gems offers nineteen piercing options, with consultations available for free. These artists highly recommend a consultation to receive professional advice on placement tailored to your anatomy, especially if bringing children six months or older in for piercings. They are located right next to their sister company, The Med Spa.
Ink Flo Tattoo & Piercing
1000 S New Road Suite 180, Beverly Hills, TX 76711
Established in 2020 by Marco Martinez, this Latinx-owned tattoo and piercing shop specializes in custom artwork and graphic design pieces. Walk-ins are more than welcome. With reasonable prices and accessible hours, Ink Flo is here to tattoo what you want, when you want it.
Iris Willoughby’s Private Studio
@iriswilloughby on Instagram
Having opened her own private tattoo studio, Iris Willoughby is in Waco to tattoo all who are interested. As a Medical Humanities student at Baylor, she prioritizes cleanliness and overall well-being of her clients. Her art pieces range from colorful hyper-realism to delicate fine lines. If you’re interested in booking with Iris Willoughby, directly message her Instagram account.
Southpaw Ink
7604 Woodway Drive, Woodway, TX 76712
Based in Woodway, this badass tattoo and piercing shop crafts designs that are true, personal expressions, reflecting your individual story. The friendly staff will ensure that you feel welcomed, informed, and confident in your decision to choose Southpaw. Whether you’re getting poked for the first-time or a seasoned collector, Southpaw offers a variety of art and jewelry to suit your preferences. Here, they believe every tattoo tells a story, and they will work with you to tell the narrative perfectly.
Spellbound Tattoo Collective
(512)-677-5011 | [email protected]
2601 Franklin Avenue Suite E, Waco, TX 76710
This tattoo studio has been around Waco for a while, but it recently went through some downsizing. The owner of the private studio, Ali Fidler, is still taking clients and producing large and small-scale pieces. However, most of Spellbound’s work is primarily by appointment. If you’re interested in Fidler’s availability, reach out via email or phone!
Taylor Jackson’s Private Studio
825 Elm Avenue, Waco, TX 76704
Taylor Jackson has been a piercer for six years, and he has his own private tattoo studio in downtown Waco. While specializing in black line work, he also crafts gorgeous color designs fitting for anyone. You can either directly message @taterfromtexas on Instagram or email [email protected] to book for tattoos and piercings.
Viridian Rose Tattoo Studio
2100 Washington Avenue, Waco, TX 76701
This new, uptown Waco tattoo studio is the most precious place for delicate tattoos. The artist and owner, Allie Menchaca Tedlock, has perfected her craft, giving clients permanent pieces they are more than pleased with. Her smooth lines and simple aesthetics match the vibe for anyone walking into her space. For booking, visit their website or find @tattoosbyalliemenchaca on Instagram.
Elizabeth Riley hails from Tennessee and is a graduate of English Literature and Professional Writing & Rhetoric from Baylor University. With passions in archival preservation, communal connection, and women in sports, she writes because it matters, with hopes of bridging villages and fostering revelry amongst them.
By Darryl Thomas
Texas is reeling. Over 100 lives were lost during the catastrophic flash floods that ravaged the Hill Country over the Fourth of July weekend. Kerr County bore the brunt — 96 confirmed deaths and more than 160 still missing, including dozens of children who vanished at Camp Mystic.(MySA) The tragedy galvanized the state, but the path to healing and rebuilding is just beginning.
A Devastating Wake-Up Call for Community
Torrential rain transformed the Guadalupe River into a surge of destruction, with water levels rising over 26 feet in under an hour at Camp Mystic. Homes disintegrated, families were displaced, and countless memories washed away. In a disaster of this scale, it’s clear: recovery is not just an individual act, it’s a collective responsibility.
Five Practical Ways to Recover From Traumatic Loss
1. Acknowledge the Grief. Don’t rush past loss. Cry, remember, and honor what—or who—is missing. Emotional wounds demand time to breathe.
2. Stay Connected Through Community. Together, we heal better. That loss is softened when neighbors cook meals, donate clothes, or listen—without expecting answers.
3. Access Mental Health Support. Resources are active now: Kerr County’s 24/7 crisis hotline (1-877-466-0660) and Hill Country Mental Health Centers are offering free trauma counseling.(NAMI)
4. Rebuild With Purpose. Whether helping clear debris, preventing mold, or documenting losses for recovery aid—action is healing, and purpose is restorative.
5. Tell Your Story When You’re Ready. If safe, write or speak about what happened. Sharing your truth is an act of release—for you, and for others waiting for hope.
The Power of Coming Together
This tragedy reminds us that freedom from emotional imprisonment isn’t granted; it’s earned through collective care. Communities have raised funds, offered homes, and provided comfort. Heavy equipment from local wrecker services recovered personal belongings and remains; local restaurants, nonprofits, and places of worship mobilized resources to meet immediate needs. When devastation hits, togetherness isn’t optional — it’s essential.
Hope for the Underdogs and Emotional Freedom
Many young Texans, especially youth in detention, face floods of a different kind: emotional and psychological. Trauma floods their minds through neglect, abuse, or instability. Hope for the Underdogs offers more than literacy — it’s a roadmap to emotional freedom and trauma recovery.
We use TODAY… I WIN and TODAY WE WIN (Volumes 1&2) to foster self-expression, build confidence, and offer young people mental escape routes from their own storms. Your support helps us bring the healing power of story and community to youth who are both physically and emotionally captive.
How Can You Make a Difference? Here’s how:
- Sponsor a youth’s participation in our summer program so that more vulnerable young people gain access to recovery through narrative and leadership.
- Share our message through your networks. Awareness fuels resources.
- Volunteer or donate directly to support survivors in Kerr County and other impacted communities.
- Engage in community restoration: help clean up, provide shelter, or pray with families seeking closure.
In the aftermath of loss, our actions reveal who we really are. Recovery isn’t easy, but it’s possible. Texas is depending on its citizens to lead not just with resources, but with compassion, presence, and steady love.
Stay Connected: Connect with me on social media for updates and inspiration:📺 YouTube Live, Tuesdays @ 6 pm CST: @1DarrylWThomas🔗 LinkedIn & Instagram: follow @1DarrylWThomas
by: Debbie Wright
As we gear up to celebrate St. Patrick’s Day, a holiday synonymous with the color green, let’s take a moment to reflect on how we can make our celebrations more eco-friendly and contribute positively to our community. This year, why not go beyond wearing green attire and consider participating in events that promote environmental consciousness and sustainability?
Community Composter Certification Course
March 14, 2024, marks the commencement of the Community Composter Certification Course, a remarkable initiative led by Emily Hills, the director of Urban REAP. This comprehensive program aims to educate residents of McLennan County about composting, fostering a network of compost educators and advocates within the community. Participants will delve into topics such as soil and decomposition, composting science, and community outreach, culminating in the creation of independent projects aimed at spreading awareness about composting. By participating in this course, individuals can not only enhance their understanding of sustainable practices but also actively contribute to reducing organic waste in our community.
Just a few days after St. Patrick’s Day, on March 22, we celebrate World Water Day. This year, let’s engage as a community to address water-related issues and promote conservation efforts. Take part in the Brazos River Cleanup and help keep our waterways pristine from 10am – 1pm. After the cleanup, head over to Indian Springs Park for a range of educational and interactive activities. Our partners, including Keep Waco Beautiful, City of Waco Watershed Protection, and more, will offer fun for all ages. Enjoy yard games, kids’ activities, free giveaways, and delicious food and drinks!
Backyard Composting Workshop – March 16
Looking for practical ways to reduce waste and enrich your garden soil? Attend the Backyard Composting Workshop on March 16th and learn how to start your own composting system. Gain valuable insights into the composting process and see firsthand how you can turn kitchen scraps and yard waste into nutrient-rich compost for your garden.
Spring Plant Share & Garden Day – March 16
Get into the spirit of spring by joining your neighbors at the Spring Plant Share & Garden Day. Share and adopt new plants, gather seeds, and participate in activities to prepare the Butterfly Sanctuary Garden for the season ahead. Learn from Master Gardeners, contribute to volunteer activities, and support the local ecosystem by donating plants for butterflies, pollinators, and birds.
Household Hazardous Waste Day – March 23
After the celebrations wind down, take the opportunity to declutter responsibly by participating in the Household Hazardous Waste Collection Day on March 23. Safely dispose of potentially hazardous items, ensuring they don’t harm the environment or endanger our community.
Companion Planting Workshop – March 30
Wrap up the month of March by attending the Companion Planting Workshop on March 30th. Discover the benefits of planting companions that help each other thrive in your garden space. Learn valuable tips from garden guru April Strickland and maximize the productivity of your garden while promoting biodiversity.
This St. Patrick’s Day, let’s go green in more ways than one. By engaging in these events and adopting sustainable practices, we can make a meaningful difference for our community and the planet. Join the movement towards a greener, more environmentally conscious future. Happy St. Patrick’s Day!
This proposed bill will drastically weaken regulations that have protected the North Bosque Watershed, Lake Waco and, in effect, the Waco Water Supply from pollution caused by dairy farms.
Background:
Prior to 2001, the Waco Water Supply was polluted as a result of dairy farmers spreading cow manure that would run off into the North Bosque River, and then into Lake Waco. This caused the growth of algae that can kill fish and made our water smell and taste bad. In 2001, the City of Waco successfully advocated for the passage of state legislation that would mandate stricter permits for dairies on the North Bosque watershed, along with waste management regulations. If you’ve been in Waco since that time, you will likely recall how poorly Waco water smelled and tasted during that time.
To date, while there has been significant improvement in the taste and smell of Waco water, the North Bosque River is still polluted and classified as impaired by the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ), and as recently as 2022, TCEQ said more work needs to be done on this watershed.
Proposed Legislation:
HB 2827 would revert back to a permitting system that was allowed when the pollution into the watershed was at its peak. Further, it would reduce pollution prevention, testing and reporting, thus likely increasing pollution in the North Bosque River (and thus the Waco Water Supply).
Of note, the bill’s author argues that the current law is an over-regulation. Also of note, there are nearly the same number of milk cows in the counties that touch the North Bosque watershed now as there were when the 2001 legislation was passed, and the trend indicates the number of milk cows are likely to increase. However, with of the regulations in place, Waco’s water quality has improved.
Actions the City of Waco has taken to advocate for Waco’s Water Supply:
- Communicated directly with the bill’s author, Waco’s elected State representatives, as well as the House Environmental Regulations Committee, in opposition to the bill.
- Collaborated with local stakeholders like the Greater Waco Chamber of Commerce and Baylor University.
- Engaged and informed families who own property along the North Bosque River to ensure they able to advocate appropriately.
- Sent information the Bosque River Coalition membership.
- Sent information to the Brazos River Authority.
- Engaged the EPA and TCEQ.
- Engaged with other current and former local leaders and requesting advocacy for the Texas Legislature to oppose the passage of HB2827, or ensure there are drastic amendments made that protect the Waco Water Supply from harmful dairy farm pollution.
Citizens with opposition to or concerns about HB 2827 can contact Rep. Anderson and Sen. Birdwell:
- Doc Anderson [email protected]
- Brian Birdwell [email protected]
About the City of Waco and Lake Waco:
Lake Waco is a man-made reservoir located on the west side of Waco, in McLennan County, Texas. The City of Waco maintains the water rights to Lake Waco, which serves as the primary water source Waco as well as other cities including Bellmead,Hewitt, Robinson, Woodway and others. The City of Waco owns and operates water treatment facilities and is responsible for treating the water from the lake to make it safe for drinking and other uses.
Submitted by Melissa Mullins
Imagine a Day Without Water is a national day of action on Oct. 21 to raise awareness about the value of water. Have you ever thought about where your drinking water comes from? What about where your wastewater goes?
For the seventh annual day, we may take a few steps beyond imagining the reality of going without a resource as vital as water. We may take action by learning about the systems that deliver water to our homes and businesses each day.
According to the 2021 Annual Value of Water Index, a majority of Americans across all demographics support a strong investment in our nation’s water infrastructure. A bipartisan agreement can be a rarity, but in this case most people agree that reliable water service and supply are crucial.
Meaningful investment in our water systems would provide access to quality water for everyone, resilient infrastructure, and more jobs. In fact, closing the water infrastructure investment gap would increase the GDP by $4.5 trillion over 20 years.
As an individual, you may wonder where you fit into ensuring a day without water doesn’t become a reality in our community. It’s a daunting task, but our collective voice can make a real and lasting impact.
Education is key. Take some time to learn about local water sources and what our water and wastewater utilities are doing to invest in our community. Consider joining like-minded people and reach out to decision makers and find where they stand on investing in water infrastructure.
Here in McLennan County and Greater Waco, you can:
- Contact us at the Center for Reservoir and Aquatic Systems Research if you are interested in partnering with us on activities such as community water festivals and community water forums or follow us on social media @bu_crasr.
- Join Keep Waco Beautiful or other groups such as Group W Bench Litter Patrol for a creek, river, or lake clean-up.
- Attend a monthly meeting (3rd Thursdays at 4 p.m.) of the Sustainable Resource Practices Advisory Board.
- Find out how to contact your local officials and when they meet at any of the 21 cities in McLennan County – what’s going on with water where you live?
- Read the annual drinking water quality report, learn how zebra mussels have been eradicated from Lake Waco and more at Waco Water Utility Services. If you live in another city, similar info should be available to you on that city’s website.
- Live in an unincorporated area of the county? Learn about water and sewer improvements and more at the McLennan County website.
No matter your reason for participating in Imagine a Day Without Water, continue the conversation with your friends, family, and co-workers about the value of water. A day without water doesn’t have to be inevitable. Let’s work toward a reality in which a day without water is something we only imagine.
For information on Imagine a Day Without Water and how you can participate, visit the event website.
Melissa Mullins is environmental education specialist with Baylor University’s Center for Reservoir and Aquatic Systems Research.
The Act Locally Waco blog publishes posts with a connection to these aspirations for Waco. If you are interested in writing for the Act Locally Waco Blog, please email Ferrell Foster at [email protected].
By Anna Dunbar
2020 is drawing to a close. Whew! What a year. Time to start thinking about a new year, a new start, and new resolutions for a greener year!
Here are some ideas to get you started:
- Recycle that live Christmas Tree! Keep Waco Beautiful is hosting its annual “Chipping of the Green” Christmas tree recycling event on January 9th at Paul Tyson Field from 10-3pm. Bring your tree and watch how Waco Parks and Recreation mulches the tree.
- Live Christmas trees can also be left at residential curbside during green weeks in January for collection and mulching. Green weeks in January are the 4th-8th and 19th-22nd.
- Start recycling at curbside! Waco residents with cart residential trash service can request one or two blue recycling and/or green yard waste carts for no extra charge! Complete a request form on Waco-texas.com or our smartphone app Waco Curbside Services. You can also call (254) 299-2612.
- Recycle right! Please do not put Styrofoam, glass, plastic bags, plastics 3-7, or take-out food containers in your blue cart! Got questions? Check out the free smartphone app Waco Curbside Services.
- Speaking of Styrofoam, on December 12 there will be a Styrofoam recycling drop-off event by Waco Friends of Climate.
TIME: 9 AM until 1 PM
LOCATION: parking lot in front of Ocean Buffet, at the corner of Valley Mills and Waco Drives.
NOTES: Please wear masks and stay in your vehicle; volunteers will remove the material from trunk and back seats. Styrofoam cups and food containers are accepted, as well as larger blocks and molded pieces. Peanuts cannot be accepted. Please clean the Styrofoam and place small pieces in a bag. Please arrive early, as our truck may reach capacity. The service is free. Questions: [email protected] .
- Go to the Cobbs Center! Many people have a lot of extra recycling during the holidays. Boxes, glass or plastic bottles and aluminum cans abound during the holidays! Waco residents can also recycle big items (such as electronics and appliances) at the Cobbs Recycle Center. The Center is open Tuesday through Saturday from 8 AM until 5 PM and closed on Sunday and Monday. Go to waco-texas.com or call (254) 751-8536 to ask questions.
- Remember “Only Rain Down the Drain!” Please avoid putting anything (leaves, grass clippings, litter) into storm drains.
- Properly dispose of cooking oil! Small quantities of cooking oil can be mixed with kitty litter, doubled bagged, and placed in your trash cart. Please do not pour cooking oil or grease down the drain. You can also properly dispose of the cooking oil or grease at 5 stations located around the city; one location is at the Cobbs Center. For more information go to Waco-texas.com or call 299-CITY (2489) between 7:30 a.m. and 5:30 p.m. Monday through Friday.
- Join the Litter Challenge! If each person picks up and throws away just one piece of litter a day, they will have put 45 pounds of litter in its place by the end of the year.
- Check the solid waste calendar! Don’t forget the blue carts and green carts go at the curb on alternating weeks, never together! If you have questions, call (254) 299-2612.
- Take gently used items to resale or thrift stores instead of just throwing them away. Or, have a garage sale! Don’t forget to get a city permit!
- Finally, get involved in organizations that “do good” in our city! The wonderful organizations, clean litter, collect donations, recycle and more! Together we can do more!
Anna Dunbar is the solid waste administrator for the City of Waco Solid Waste Services. She is responsible for informing Waco residents and businesses about recycling and waste reduction opportunities as well as solid waste services in Waco. Her husband is a Baylor professor and her daughter is a Baylor University alum who works at Horizon Environmental Services, Inc. Anna is an active member of Keep Waco Beautiful and The Central Texas Audubon Society.
The Act Locally Waco blog publishes posts with a connection to these aspirations for Waco. If you are interested in writing for the Act Locally Waco Blog, please email [email protected] for more information.
by Anna Dunbar
America Recycles Day (ARD) has its 23rd anniversary this year. What many don’t know is that ARD has its roots in Texas, central Texas in fact. Texas Recycles Day began in 1994 as the idea of two Texas Commission on Environmental Quality employees, Kevin Tuerff and Valerie Davis. I had met them while I was at the agency and was always so impressed with their creativity. They came up with Texas Recycles Day to promote recycling on a day far enough away from Earth Day (April 22nd), but not before the Election Day in order to capture everyone’s attention. Thus November 15th was chosen as America Recycles Day!
Eventually, Texas Recycles Day was transformed into America Recycles Day. The first national America Recycles Day was held November 15th, 1997 and it has been celebrated annually ever since.
What about America Recycles Day in Waco? There is a lot of energy behind recycling in Waco. This year, the Waco Solid Waste Services is conducting a Scrap Tire Collection on Saturday, November 14. Here are the details:
- Location: 501 Schroeder Drive, near the Baylor Water Tower
- Hours: 7 AM until 12 Noon
- This event is for Waco residents only. Please pre-register or bring your Waco water utility bill as proof of residency.
- Restrictions:
- No more than 10 tires
- No tires from businesses
- No OTR, Skid Steer, Earth Movers
- Maximum size: 24 inches
- Maximum ten (10) tires per household
- Please preregister by calling (254) 299-2612
You might wonder why Waco Solid Waste Services is having a scrap tire collection at no extra charge. There are several reasons. First, recycling of scrap tires usually carries a fee per tire. The fee is waived during this event, making it easier for Wacoans to recycle their tires. Second, scrap tires are a breeding place for mosquitoes, which can carry diseases. Finally, scrap tires are prone to being dumped on vacant lots and other locations. This free collection is a good time to rid your property of scrap tires and recycle at the same time!
Waco Solid Waste Services encourages everyone to pre-register for this event and to wear a mask while talking with staff during the event. Pre-registration can be done by calling (254) 299-2612 Monday through Friday from 8 AM until 5 PM. Para informacion en Espanol: (254) 299-2612. There will also be a registration form at Waco-texas.com beginning November 5.
Thank you for keeping Waco Clean and Green!
Anna Dunbar is the solid waste administrator for the City of Waco Solid Waste Services. She is responsible for informing Waco residents and businesses about recycling and waste reduction opportunities as well as solid waste services in Waco. Her husband is a Baylor professor and her daughter is a Baylor University alum who works at Horizon Environmental Services, Inc. Anna is an active member of Keep Waco Beautiful and The Central Texas Audubon Society.
The Act Locally Waco blog publishes posts with a connection to these aspirations for Waco. If you are interested in writing for the Act Locally Waco Blog, please email [email protected] for more information.
April is Earth Month! To help us get in the spirit of sustainability, Anna Dunbar, Recycling and Public Outreach Administrator for the City of Waco Solid Waste Services, shares some tips, expertise and hopes for our community in a series of four blog posts. For all the posts so far, click here. Thanks for writing, Anna! – ABT
By Anna Dunbar
Painting is a relatively inexpensive way to update a room. It seems that every DIY show starts with picking colors and repainting (or doing a faux finish painted walls). Then, the question is, what to do with all of the leftover paint?
Storage
Most people think of the garage as the place to store paints. The problem with that idea is that paints typically become unusable when exposed to extreme hot or cold temperatures. This is especially true of latex paint. So, store your paint in the house or in an insulated cabinet in the garage. To seal the can, place plastic wrap over the paint lid and hammer it down. Some recommend storing the can upside down but I personally have not had the nerve to do that!
Think before you toss and try to donate it.
In Waco, try the Habitat for Humanity ReStore if you have unopened, usable latex paint with readable labels. Learn more at http://www.wacohabitat.org/restore/ or call (254) 756-0131. Habitat for Humanity ReStore is a great place and if you are doing a painting job you should start there! The store usually has a great paint selection.
Schools, religious groups, community groups, and theater groups may accept unopened cans of latex paint, especially white paint. Even a neighbor may need some extra paint. Remember, if your paint is lumpy or smells bad, it should not be donated.
Dry it out before you throw it away.
When you cannot use up or donate leftover paint, dry it out and dispose of it with your regular trash. All residual/leftover paint must be hardened or dried before putting in your trash.
If there’s only a small amount of paint in the bottom of the can, leaving it out in the sun should do the trick. If there’s a bit more, mulch, kitty litter, or shredded newspaper can be used as a bulking/drying agent. If you are in a hurry, buy some commercial paint hardener such as Waste Paint HardenerTM or a similar product to dry paint quickly. This product is available at many paint and hardware stores. When mixed with paint as directed, it will dry even large amounts within a couple of days. A paint can with totally dried paint (no liquid) can be put in a bag with your regular trash.
Take larger quantities of paint to Household Hazardous Waste Day.
As I mentioned last week, if you are a resident of Waco, Hewitt, Lacy Lakeview, Lorena or Woodway, you can save paints, auto fluids and other hazardous stuff for Household Hazardous Waste Day on May 6. The event is from 7 AM until 1:30 PM at 501 Schroeder Drive, which is the Waco Solid Waste Operations Center. It is near the Baylor elevated water storage tank. When you arrive you may need to wait in line. Have your water bill from your city of residence and your driver’s license at the ready. You will need that for proof of residency.
Paint makes up most of what is brought to Household Hazardous Waste Day! In 2015, we collected 85,387 pounds of paint and in 2016, we collected 31,285 pounds of paint. I am grateful that so many people are willing to do the right thing and dispose of paint properly. Still have questions? Please call Waco Solid Waste Services at (254) 299-2612 or email me at [email protected]
This week’s Act Locally Waco blog post is by Anna Dunbar. Anna is the Operations Administrator for the City of Waco Public Works. She is responsible for informing Waco residents and businesses about recycling and waste reduction opportunities as well as solid waste services in Waco. Her husband is a Baylor professor and her daughter is a graduate student at Baylor University. She is president of the board of Keep Waco Beautiful and is a member of The Central Texas Audubon Society and Northwest Waco Rotary. If you would be interested in writing for the Act Locally Waco blog, please email [email protected] .