SOUTH PADRE ISLAND — After being in limbo for a few months due to the coronavirus pandemic, residents and visitors of this coastal city have a place to dispose of their recyclable household items again.

In partnership with Republic Services, the City of South Padre Island Environmental Health Services Department (EHSD) reintroduced its Saturday morning recycling program on May 30.

Every Saturday, the public is able to visit the department’s community drop off site every Saturday between 8 to 11 a.m. at the SPI Community Center, which is located at 4501 Padre Blvd.

The program had been closed since late March due to the pandemic.

“After a long period of social distancing due to the COVID-19 Order, visitors and residents are welcome to bring their recyclable items to the Community Center parking lot,” a press release from the city stated. “EHSD understands the necessity to recycle on the island since we want to protect our delicate environment.”

Due to COVID-19, personnel ask that every person who visits continues to follow state and federal health protocols by wearing a face-covering, gloves and practicing social distancing of at least 6 feet between each person.

According to the press release, individuals aged 65 or older are at higher risk of COVID-19.

“To the extent possible, avoid contact within 6 feet with individuals aged 65 and older,” the press release stated. “Individuals aged 65 and older should stay at home as much as possible.”

The recycling program is currently accepting — cardboard, newspaper, aluminum cans, plastic, bottle caps, paper and mixed office paper, such as Post-It Notes, file folders and business cards.

Boxes that are coated with wax or plastic, as well as boxes that are white on the inside are not accepted.

Plastic number one and two recycling symbols are the only plastics accepted and it must be separated by numbers.

Bottle caps must be removed and placed in a separate bag.

Additionally, milk and juice bottles must be rinsed and placed in a separate bag.

For more information, contact the ESHD at (956) 761-8123.