Rural Hidalgo County residents invited to give input on trash collection

Hidalgo County commissioners will be considering changing the countywide trash collection program, but they’re inviting residents living in unincorporated parts of the county to participate in hearings and offer their input before taking action.

The number of people living in rural areas outnumber the population in the largest cities of the county, according to 2020 Census data studied by the county commissioners’ court.

Sanitation services are lacking in those regions, but there’s a proposal on the table by Hidalgo County Judge Richard F. Cortez, who won his reelection campaign Tuesday night.

“What I propose is the development of a countywide sanitation program that will serve unincorporated Hidalgo County,” Cortez said in a news release Monday. “My proposal will provide weekly curbside garbage pickup, monthly brush removal and quarterly tire service at an affordable fee to all residents.”

Unlike cities, Hidalgo County rural residents don’t have a single service provider.

“In this modern age, we must recognize that every resident should have equal access to these basic services,” Cortez said.

The hearings will offer residents from each precinct the opportunity to voice their feedback on the proposal.

Four public meetings will be held in each of the four precincts as listed:

Precinct 1

Wednesday, Nov. 9, 2022

5:30 p.m. – 6:30 p.m.

1902 Joe Stephens Ave.

Weslaco, TX 78596

Precinct 2

Tuesday, Nov. 15, 2022

5:30 p.m. – 6:30 p.m.

509 E. Earling Road

San Juan, TX 78589

Precinct 3

Monday, Nov. 14, 2022

5:30 p.m. – 6:30 p.m.

724 Breyfogle Road

Mission, TX 78574

Precinct 4

Thursday, Nov. 10, 2022

5:30 p.m. – 6:30 p.m.

1124 N. M Road

Edinburg, TX 78542