51,055 Pounds of Trash Picked up in San Angelo

SAN ANGELO, TX - In 2023, 51,055 pounds of trash were picked up in San Angelo, according to Executive Director of Keep San Angelo Beautiful (KSAB) Charlotte Anderson. 

Anderson gave KSAB's annual report to the San Angelo City Council at its meeting held on March 19. 

She said that in 2023, 15 cleanups were held, and the cleanups were responsible for the 51,055 pounds of trash and hazardous waste.

Since the establishment of KSAB, 46 cleanups have been made to remove over 156,458 pounds of trash. 

She said that according to TXDOT, tire debris is one of the largest problems on our local highways. 

Anderson said that KSAB has removed 25,225 tires from San Angelo over the past three years.

This was accomplished through KSAB's “Tires-To-Go” initiative. 

The last time this event was held, participants were requested to make a $2 donation per tire, with the exception of those bringing fewer than 25 tires.

However, Mayor Brenda Gunter suggested raising the donation amount from $2 to $5. 

Anderson favored the idea, also mentioning a cap of 25 tires per person. 

She said that trucks used to store tires at the event reached maximum capacity before everyone was processed, making the 25-tire cap necessary. 

When it comes to hazardous waste material, KSAB has removed:

• 3,000 pounds of oil 
• 2,000 pounds of shredded documents
• 150 pounds of cardboard
• 25,000 pounds of electronics
• 10,491 pounds of hazardous waste chemicals and paints.
• 31,000 plastic bags which are exported to Mertzon to be recycled 

KSAB is also heavily involved in tree planting, according to information shown at the meeting.

The information showed that KSAB had planted 950 trees in the past four years.

“In closing, we participated, joined, and hosted over 220 events last year with over 1,000 volunteers, 4,085 businesses, 3,496 hours of community service, with $112,381 value to the city and waste removal education and beautification,” Anderson said. “We want to thank the City of San Angelo for the opportunity to be a conduit for the community and for supporting safe environmental activities to engage our families, our students, and citizens.”