City reaches recycling deal that eliminates glass

Waste Management employees work quickly to remove non recyclable materials from a conveyor belt filled with recyclable garbage Thursday November 20, 2014 at the Waste Management Recycling Facility in Southwest Houston, TX. (Billy Smith II / Houston Chronicle) less Waste Management employees work quickly to remove non recyclable materials from a conveyor belt filled with recyclable garbage Thursday November 20, 2014 at the Waste Management Recycling Facility in ... more Photo: Billy Smith II, Staff Photo: Billy Smith II, Staff Image 1 of / 41 Caption Close City reaches recycling deal that eliminates glass 1 / 41 Back to Gallery

Glass no longer will be accepted in Houston's curbside recycling program under a two-year deal with Waste Management, Mayor Sylvester Turner announced Friday.

The city's curbside recycling program was in limbo after city officials and the Houston-based waste giant hit an impasse this week over contract negotiations, prompting concerns about a potential lapse in service.

Under the new agreement, there will be no lapse in collection, but the 96-gallon green bins will be limited to paper, cardboard, plastics and metal cans. Glass containers still can be dropped off at the city's neighborhood depositories, but no longer will be allowed in the curbside bins.

Eliminating glass will lower the processing costs for Waste Management.

"This agreement makes good economic sense for the city and for Waste Management. It reaffirms our commitment to recycling. It doesn't tie the city to a long-term contract," Turner said. "It allows Waste Management to avoid the employee layoffs that would have likely resulted from cancellation of service in Houston, and provides an opportunity for potential competitors to enter the market."

The city's current contract with Waste Management has been extended from March 16 until March 23, when City Council next meets and can review the proposed agreement.