Innovative Solid Waste Management Solutions
We've recycled hundreds of computers and equipment, 13,720 lbs. of boat trailer and motor debris, and initiated a reusable grocery bag program made from recycled water bottles, keeping all this waste out of landfills.
Why Are Natives So Important?
Aransas County is a crucial migration point for hummingbirds and monarch butterflies traveling to and from Mexico across the Gulf of Mexico.
Making a Difference
We've recycled hundreds of computers and equipment, 13,720 lbs of boat trailer and motor debris, and initiated a reusable grocery bag program made from recycled water bottles, keeping all this waste out of landfills.
Innovative Solutions
We advocate for unique code-enforcement solutions. Stay tuned as we showcase our efforts in various county areas. Our VTIP program has helped remove 31 derelict boats from the county.
Protecting Our Natural Treasures
Aransas County is home to world-class whooping cranes, federally protected coastal birds, and sea turtles and is known as the Hummingbird Capital of Texas.
Plant Exchange
KACB regularly hosts a Free Plant Exchange. The plant exchange is staged at the Aransas County History Center grounds at 801 E. Cedar St., in Rockport. The grounds are a perfect background for like-minded community members to bring a plant or pick up a new plant for your garden or yard. Lots of plant talk and other topics were covered. Watch our calendar for upcoming events. Usually held on the 1st Saturday of the month weather permitting.
Beautification Projects
KACB has worked on many beautification projects throughout the county. We enjoyed bringing back the welcome signs on the north and south side of town after Hurricane Harvey. We are also proud of the signs marking entry into our county. Have you noticed the beautiful Aransas Co signs featuring our “other” travelers, the hummingbird, monarch butterfly, and whooping crane?
UP2U Bag Project
At Keep Aransas County Beautiful, we are dedicated to preserving the natural beauty of our community. That's why we have partnered with the UP2U Bag Project to provide a convenient solution for boaters to dispose of their trash responsibly. By placing bags on boat ramps, we make it easy for boaters to take out their trash and prevent littering in our lakes. Together, we can all do our part to keep Aransas County clean and beautiful for generations to come. Join us in supporting the UP2U Bag Project and help protect our environment.
Vessel Turn In
The Vessel Turn In Program is provided by General Land Office. It takes several entities to be involved to host one of these events. Along with the General Land Office, Texas Parks and Wildlife is a vital partner in this program. Logistics and volunteers come from Aransas County Transfer Station, City or Rockport, and Keep Aransas County Beautiful. Aransas County has held two VTIP events in the last couple of years. This program invites residents who have derelict boats to turn them in at no cost to the owner. After properly identifying the vessel as eligible for destruction all fuels are removed and properly disposed of, recyclables are removed and finally the vessel is destroyed. This gets eyesores and potentially hazard spills out of our neighborhoods. To date, over 40 derelict vessels have been surrendered. The VTIP programs are a win/win for everyone.
Tire Turn In
A tire turn in has been held for several years in Rockport, Aransas County. Keep Aransas County Beautiful is proud to have been a part of each Tire Turn In event. The Council of Governments, Aransas County and the City of Rockport have all collaborated with the tire events. These events have allowed residents to dispose of tires for free. In return, the tires are taken to a proper recycle plant rather than being in our landfills or even worse in our waterways and communities. Many local businesses and organizations team up with us to provide support during these events. A large thank you to Rising Tide Gym and Rockport Fulton NJROTC for their repeated support.
Styrofoam Collection
Keep Aransas County Beautiful received a unique call from Padre Island National Seashore. We were asked to use our “Turtle Trailer” to help recycle a very large amount of styrofoam. What a wonderful opportunity! A KACB board member spent an entire day loading, transporting and unloading the Styrofoam.
Mind you, that is approximately 400 cubic feet of debris, not in our landfill subject to re-polluting land and water with pieces that can kill wildlife when mistaken for food. Four hundred cubic feet that will not fill our landfill for 50 years. Needless to say, that makes for a very proud day from a person that regularly attends beach cleanups where styrofoam is a large part of the problem.
Computer Turn In
Keep Aransas County Beautiful has partnered with Dell Computers and Goodwill to host Computer Turn In events. After hurricane Harvey, many people had electronics that needed to be disposed of properly. Seeing the need we researched and learned about the Dell Reconnect Program. The Dell program provides a responsible recycling program or computers and computer accessories. The evaluate the materials and recycle/reuse any that can be used for training or other purposes. Items that cannot be reused are responsibly recycled. Metals and other components are removed and as much as possible is repurposed. The HH event had a total of 8 gaylord boxes (think 8 pallets, 4 ft high) filled. Goodwill of South Texas provided transportation back to Dell. Subsequent events were held and guess what, we were still seeing HH computers. Dell accepts any brand of computer and accessories such as printers, scanners, monitors in any condition. KACB is proud to host these events and help get these items properly disposed of and out of our community.
Discover Our Initiatives
Learn about our ongoing initiatives and the successful projects we’ve completed in the past. Visit our About page to see how we are making a difference in Aransas County.