McAllen MSA Environmental

McAllen has received national recognition for its efforts to protect the environment. In 2011, McAllen MSA was ranked "Least Toxic" city in America by Forbes Magazine. The evaluation was based on different factors, including air quality, water quality, superfund rank, and toxic releases.

City of McAllen leaders are continually looking for ways to add environmentally friendly features to the city's buildings and operations.

The City of McAllen is very proud of its recycling program. In 1994 the Public Works Department launched the new Automated Curbside Recycling Program. The Texas Natural Resource Conservation Commission (TNRCC), recognized it as the first ever, in the state of Texas.

Through staff's outreach education efforts, over 39,000 people learned about the benefits of recycling and composting. Staff visited schools, civic groups, churches, and surrounding communities resulting in over 5,077 tons of recyclable commodities collected such as cardboard, paper, aluminum, and tin, thus yielding an increase of 20% in recycling sales revenue.