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.
| Environmental |
| Area in Attainment |
Yes |
No |
| Carbon Monoxide |
X |
|
| Lead |
X |
|
| Nitrogen Dioxide |
X |
|
| Ozone |
X |
|
| Particular Matter |
X |
|
| Sulfur Dioxide |
X |
|
| Permit Type |
Avg Approval Time |
| Air Permit |
4 to 6 months |
| Water Permit |
Provisional coverage in 2 days |
| Hazardous Waste Permit |
15 to 18 months |
| |
| Hazardous Waste Facility |
City |
Distance |
Class |
| Safety-Kleen Corp. |
McAllen |
Within Area |
Storage & Transfer |
| |
| Hazardous Waste Haulers |
19 |
|
|
| |
| Landfills |
City |
Distance |
|
| Hidalgo County Landfill |
Penitas |
Within Area |
|
| Edinburg City Landfill |
Edinburg |
Within Area |
|
| C&T Regional Landfill |
Linn |
Within Area |
|
| BFI Regional Disposal Facility |
Donna |
Within Area |
|
| Source: TCEQ, Austin, TX: EPA at epa.gov |