Allen’s Community Services Department is getting statewide recognition for its efforts to make the city more beautiful and environmentally-conscious.
The department won the Government Award at Keep Texas Beautiful’s 50th Annual Conference, held June 12-14 in San Antonio. The award recognizes the efforts of government departments that enhance their community and protect the Texas environment.
In 2016, Community Services staff coordinated and supported two large events: the Great American Cleanup and Allen Recycles Day. Together, these events collected more than 148,000 lbs. of recycling/reusable materials. The department also supported Allen USA, the largest zero-waste event in North Texas, by ensuring that 89% of waste was diverted to recycling or compost.
In addition to overseeing these large events, Allen’s Community Service Department also contributed to these impressive numbers:
- Collected 16,343 lbs. of chemicals in the city’s Household Hazardous Waste (HHW) program
- Planted 83 front yard trees in under-served neighborhoods
- Reached 9,197 youth and 2,674 adults in more than 118 educational presentations
- Rebated $90,325 to residents for water-saving devices, such as low-flow toilets and smart irrigation controllers
- Oversaw the “Adopt-a” program, which cleaned 320 miles of city roadways and collected 14,207 lbs. of litter
Allen’s Community Services Department consists of 117 employees who maintain the city’s infrastructure and provide critical services, such as trash, recycling and utility billing. Department staff also educate residents about solid waste, recycling, water conservation, storm water, household hazardous waste and litter prevention.