Lights Out, Fort Worth

Fort Worth, it’s bird migration season. Each fall, millions of birds pass through Fort Worth, and turning off all non-essential lights is an important part of making their journey safe, especially during their peak migration period. The challenge is to turn off all non-essential lights between 11:00 PM and 6:00 AM
to allow birds to migrate safely through the city.

• Fall Bird Migratory Season is Aug. 15 – Nov. 30.
• Peak Migration period is Sept. 5 – Oct. 29.

Efforts to protect migrating birds from bright lights began in 2017, initiated by the Houston Audubon and American National Insurance Company after a tragic incident in Galveston where there was a 400-bird collision. Inspired by these efforts, Lights Out, Fort Worth and Lights Out, Dallas were launched in 2020, led primarily by the Texas Conservation Alliance, following the creation of a bird migration map that highlighted the birds' migratory paths.

Join the City in helping these birds fly safely through by participating in the Lights Out, Fort Worth initiative!

Tips for Recycling in Fort Worth

Rules for recycling vary from city to city and can quickly get confusing. The City of Fort Worth is dedicated to promoting sustainable waste management practices and ensuring that residents are well-informed about proper recycling procedures.

Here are some quick reminders to make the most out of your recycling:

• Keep recyclables loose. Plastic grocery bags should not be placed in the blue cart. Many grocery stores will take back gently used plastic grocery bags, and all Fort Worth Drop-Off Stations provide dedicated areas for grocery bags.
• Empty, clean, and dry items before placing them in the blue cart to prevent contamination of other items.
• Remove hazardous materials. This includes batteries, light bulbs, hangers, and other hazardous materials as they can cause damage to recycling collection trucks and machinery.

Thank you for doing your part to enhance our recycling program!

For more information on recycling in Fort Worth, please visit our Recycling page.

Summer Smarts: Easy Ways to Improve Air Quality

As summer heats up, it’s important to pay attention to the quality of the air we breathe. While the warmer weather is perfect for outdoor activities, it can also lead to changes in air quality. Fortunately, there are practical steps you can take to improve air quality around you and make your summer healthier.

Key Factors Affecting Summer Air Quality:

• Stagnant Air: Less wind can cause pollutants to linger in the air.
• Stronger Sunlight: Sunlight can trigger chemical reactions that can reduce air quality.
• Decreased Rainfall: Less rain means fewer pollutants are washed out of the atmosphere.
  
  

Simple Actions You Can Take:

• Reduce Vehicle Idling: Turn off your engine when parked or waiting to pick someone up. This reduces emissions and helps improve local air quality.
• Use Public Transport or Carpool: Fewer cars on the road mean fewer emissions. Consider using public transport, carpooling, or biking when possible.
• Avoid Outdoor Exercise During Peak Pollution Hours: Early morning or late evening is often better for outdoor activities when air pollution levels are lower.
• Use Energy Efficiently at Home: Reducing energy use can lower air pollution. Turn off lights and unplug devices when not in use, and consider using energy-efficient appliances.

By making small adjustments in your daily routine, you can contribute to better air quality. These simple steps may not only benefit your immediate surroundings but also support broader efforts to improve air quality for everyone.

To learn more, click here.

Composting Contamination Prevention

Contamination comes in many forms, especially when it comes to compost. Although many materials are compostable through other means, if participating in our Residential Food Waste Composting Program, remember to check and see if it’s acceptable before depositing in one of our 21 collection bins.

Just a friendly reminder, the following are unacceptable items:

• Pet waste or kitty litter
• Raw meats
• Styrofoam
• Plastic bags, liners, or plastic coatings
• Grease or oil
• Chewing gum
• Recyclable items (i.e. glass, metal, paper, plastic)
• Diapers and sanitary products
• Frozen food packaging
• Microwave popcorn bags
• Products labeled “biodegradable”

Through small changes in our daily routines, we can help preserve our landfill capacity and work towards a sustainable future.

In 2023, subscribers of our Residential Food Waste Composting Program have diverted 144,204 pounds of food scraps away from our landfill! Thank you subscribers for participating and doing your part to reduce contamination in our program!

Interested in diverting food scraps to be composted? Sign up here!