The City of Brownsville is launching residential curbside recycling in partnership with Redfish Recycling, and we know residents may have questions. The following frequently asked questions are designed to help you understand how the program works, what materials are accepted, and how to recycle correctly to get the most out of this new service.
WHY IS THERE A RED RECYCLING BIN IN MY DRIVEWAY?
Redfish Recycling is delivering carts to every residence in Brownsville as part of the citywide curbside recycling program instituted by ordinance by the City of Brownsville and implemented by Redfish Recycling.
WHEN DOES THE RESIDENTIAL SERVICE START? CAN I START PUTTING RECYCLABLE ITEMS IN THE BIN RIGHT AWAY?
The pickup service starts in January 2026. Please wait until the designated date to start putting recyclables in the bin. The bin will not be serviced until then. Please check our website for updates and schedules at https://redfishrecycling.com.
DO I HAVE TO PARTICIPATE? I DO NOT THINK RECYCLING HELPS.
No, participation is not required, but we hope you will join the program.
WILL I GET CHARGED FOR THIS?
Yes, you will be charged monthly, and the cost will appear on your utility bill.
WHAT IS “SINGLE-STREAM” RECYCLING?
All accepted recyclables go together, loose, in the red cart. No sorting required.
WHAT MATERIALS ARE ACCEPTED?
Paper & cardboard (newspapers, magazines, junk mail, cartons, boxes), plastics #1 and #2 bottles/containers, and metals (aluminum, steel/tin cans).
WHAT IS NOT ACCEPTED?
Glass, plastic bags/film, Styrofoam, food waste, greasy paper, tanglers (hoses/wires), electronics, batteries, hazardous waste, yard waste, chains, stained food receptacles, furniture, clothing, rugs, towels, and shoes.
WHY CAN’T I RECYCLE PLASTIC BAGS OR BATTERIES?
Plastic bags jam sorting equipment. Batteries can cause fires.
DO I NEED TO RINSE CONTAINERS?
It is encouraged but not required. Containers should be empty. Quick rinsing helps reduce odors and pests.
DO I BAG RECYCLABLES?
No. Place items loose in the red cart.
HOW SHOULD I PREPARE CARDBOARD?
Flatten boxes and remove packing peanuts or plastic wrap.
ARE ALL BOXES RECYCLABLE?
Most paperboard can be recycled.
CAN I RECYCLE A GREASY PIZZA BOX?
Yes.
WHAT HAPPENS TO MY RECYCLABLES?
They are sorted locally by Redfish, baled, and sent to manufacturers for reuse.
HOW OFTEN IS THE COLLECTION?
Every other week. Set out the bin by 7:00 AM, or the night before pickup. Place it with wheels facing the house and 3 feet from other objects.
MISSED PICKUP?
Check your schedule, bin placement, and contents. Call (956) 299-8025 if it was still missed.
WHEN IS MY PICKUP DAY?
Your pickup day is on the recycling service map. If you still do not know, scan the QR code on the label on top of the recycling bin lid (https://redfishrecycling.com/brownsville-route-map).
You may also call (956) 299-8025 or email info@redfshtx.com to confirm your schedule.
I MISSED MY PICKUP. CAN THE DRIVER COME BACK?
This is up to the customer service manager’s discretion if the driver is still in the area.
DO YOU OFFER SHREDDING SERVICES?
No.
IS BPUB TAKING OVER OUR RECYCLING?
No. PUB is only handling billing for the City of Brownsville.
WHERE DO I TAKE MY ELECTRONICS?
RDA Technologies: (956) 465-5034
468 Regal Rd., Unit 124, Brownsville, TX 78521
DO YOU BUY OR SELL COPPER OR ALUMINUM?
No, we are a recycling processing center and do not buy from the public.
DO YOU RECYCLE TIRES, GASOLINE, OR OIL?
No, and we do not know who provides this service reliably.
I HAVE EXTRA RECYCLABLES THAT DO NOT FIT INSIDE A SINGLE CONTAINER. WILL THEY BE PICKED UP IF PLACED NEXT TO THE CART?
No. All materials must fit inside the red bin.
WHERE CAN I TAKE MY GLASS TO BE RECYCLED?
Target at 301 Morrison Rd., Brownsville, TX 78526 has a glass recycling bin inside the store.
CAN I RECYCLE ALUMINUM FOIL IN THE CURBSIDE PROGRAM?
No. Aluminum foil is not accepted due to contamination risks.
I AM ALREADY A CUSTOMER. WHAT HAPPENS TO MY BIN? DO I GET A NEW ONE?
You keep your current bin.
WHERE DO I STORE MY RECYCLING CART?
Wherever you prefer, but please do not store it on the sidewalk.
A RECYCLING CART WAS DELIVERED TO MY HOME BUT I DO NOT WANT IT. CAN YOU TAKE IT BACK?
We suggest keeping it for 60 days. If after that you still do not want the service, please contact us by phone or email.
I AM MOVING SOON. CAN I TAKE THE RECYCLING BIN WITH ME?
No. The cart is City property and stays with the designated household.
If your new address is within Brownsville city limits, call us to request a bin if there is not one there.
MY CART IS BROKEN. WHAT SHOULD I DO?
Call (956) 299-8025 or email info@redfshtx.com.
WHAT IF MY CART IS STOLEN?
Call (956) 299-8025 or email info@redfshtx.com for a replacement. A $100 replacement fee applies.
WHO IS ELIGIBLE TO RECEIVE A RECYCLING CART?
Only City residential solid waste customers within the Brownsville city limits are eligible.
WILL CARTS BE ASSIGNED TO A SPECIFIC HOUSEHOLD?
Yes. Each cart has a tracking code associated with a specific address.
HOLIDAY SERVICE
No collection on Christmas Day. Routes shift one day before or after.
