HSV Cardboard Recycling – It’s Official

Always looking for ways to increase efficiency and realize cost savings, The Hot Springs Village Public Services Division continues to explore and implement processes to achieve these goals while maintaining and improving established customer service standards. The recent adoption of an official cardboard recycling operation aligns with these objectives.

Matt Broom, Associate Director of Public Services shared, “We invite all residents to bring their cardboard to the Minorca facility [218 Minorca Road] and drop it off in the collection bin.  The previous setup with the dumpsters was just an easier way to throw the cardboard away, but it still ended up with our normal waste and cost the Village high disposal fees.  We have refurbished our old baler and have lined out buyers for the cardboard we collect.  The Village can now sell the cardboard instead of paying to have it dumped in the landfill.”

While the cardboard recycling operation has been going on for two weeks, Broom feels that the amount of recyclable cardboard received will escalate with public notification of the new service. “We want as much as people will bring us,” Broom enthused.

The baling operation has not led to additional employee time and wages, as the workers can fit in cardboard baling when they have spare time between other tasks. So far, Broom estimates they are collecting approximately one,1,000-pound bale daily.

Cardboard Recycling Hours

The Minorca Facility is open Monday through Friday (except for posted holidays) from 7:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.; cardboard is accepted anytime the facility is open.

Recycling cardboard in HSV offers several local benefits:

1. Positive Impact on Sanitation Costs: The Associate Director explained that recycling cardboard has the potential to hugely impact Village sanitation disposal costs. The POA is paying Garland County approximately $38/ton to dispose of our household waste. By baling and selling the cardboard, we can receive as much as $120/ton. Fewer trips to the transfer station also result in substantial savings. Already, we have around five fewer weekly trips to the dump, saving fuel and wear and tear on the trash trucks.
2. Conservation of trees: Recycling cardboard helps reduce the need for new raw materials, which conserves forests and reduces habitat destruction.
3. Energy Savings: Recycling cardboard uses less energy, compared to producing new cardboard from raw materials.
4. Waste Reduction: Recycling helps decrease the amount of waste in local landfills, extending landfill lifespan and reducing the environmental impact.

Recycling cardboard effectively involves a few key steps:

1. Flatten Boxes: Before recycling, flatten cardboard boxes to save space and make baling easier.
2. Remove Non-Cardboard Components: Remove any tape, labels, or non-cardboard materials. These can interfere with the recycling process.
3. Reuse When Possible: Consider reusing cardboard for storage, crafts, or other purposes before recycling.

By adopting these effective cardboard recycling practices, you can help create a greener, more sustainable future and help the POA control operating costs. Every small action makes a difference, and recycling cardboard is an easy yet powerful way to contribute positively. Together, we can reduce waste and protect our planet for future generations. 

Where is the Hot Springs Village Recycling Facility Located?

For the map below, click the button in the lower left to view the satellite image. To zoom in or out, click the plus or minus buttons.

By Cheryl Dowden; photography provided by Matt Broom