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May 2026
Building a more sustainable, resilient and equitable Waco.
We're getting our Operations Center building ENERGY STAR certified so there was an engineer on-site recently to do a walk-thru. I didn't realize he needed to verify some things related to the air quality (proper ventilation!) of the building but it reminded me that this week is "Air Quality Awareness Week." It hits home for me because my 12-year old son struggles with asthma. I often check the Air Quality Index on my phone to see if it might be a difficult day for him to be playing sports outside.
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency monitors our local air quality as mandated by the National Ambient Air Quality Standards (NAAQS) established by the Clean Air Act. These standards regulate 6 different air pollutants: carbon monoxide, lead, nitrogen dioxide, sulfur dioxide, ozone, and particle pollution. One way that the City of Waco is trying to help keep our local air clean is by having our employees drive Electric Vehicles (EVs). We currently have 25 EVs in our fleet that produce zero pollutants.
Cheers,
Eric Coffman
Sustainability Programs Manager
ericc@wacotx.gov
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Do You Need a Permit?
 If you're planning to go solar you will definitely need a permit. You can read more about the process HERE. If you're planning a home project and aren’t quite sure whether a permit is needed—or how to get one—we’ve made it easy for you! Visit the City of Waco website for clear guidance, helpful resources, and step-by-step information so you can move forward with confidence. Whether you’re adding a carport, building a deck or covered porch, replacing your roof, or tackling an interior remodel, we’re here to help you get your project started smoothly.
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Household Hazardous Waste Day is May 16
 The annual Household Hazardous Waste Collection Day is Saturday, May 16 from 7am to 1pm at the Waco Solid Waste Operations Center located at 501 Schroeder Drive in Waco. The City of Waco provides residents with a FREE service for disposal of items considered potentially hazardous, like paint and chemicals, motor oil, electronics and batteries, and even tires. This event is for all residents that live within the city limits of Bellmead, Hewitt, Lacy Lakeview, Waco, or Woodway
Charge Into Fire Safety: Know the Risks of Lithium-Ion Batteries
 Many everyday devices—like phones, laptops, power tools, and toys—use lithium-ion batteries. While convenient, these batteries can overheat, catch fire, or explode if damaged or used improperly.
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Buy smart: Look for safety certification labels like UL, ETL, or CSA.
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Charge safely: Use the original charger, follow instructions, and avoid overcharging.
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Recycle properly: Never throw batteries in the trash—take them to a designated recycling center like Cobbs Recycling Center.
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Downtown Redevelopment Project
 As the Waco Downtown Redevelopment Project continues to take shape, the website has evolved right alongside it!
This long-term, community-driven effort is transforming downtown into a more connected, vibrant place for everyone who calls Waco home.
Now, there’s a clearer, more connected way to follow that progress, see what’s ahead, and find your way into the story!
Visit WacoDowntownRedevelopment.com to explore the project, check out upcoming events, and subscribe for updates!
Microchip Scanning Station
 Left: Alice Martinez Rodriguez Park Right: China Spring Park
Remember newspaper vending machines? Well, the City of Waco has repurposed one into a 24/7 microchip scanner for pets! The first scanner is located at the Waco Police Department, 3115 Pine Avenue! Bring the lost pet anytime, scan them for a "Chip Check," and follow the steps on the box to reunite the pet with their owner.
Watch for more locations around town! (Remember, you can still visit any Waco Fire Station for a microchip check as well!)
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Waco Downtown Farmers Market
SATURDAY MORNINGS, 9am-1pm, 200 E. Bridge Street
The Waco Downtown Farmers Market supports local farmers and small businesses, increases access to healthy affordable food, and enriches the Waco community through education and wellness activities. This Saturday's lineup includes:
- Free Professional Photos
- Mothers Day Tote Giveaways
- Art Center Waco
- Cultivate Art Activity
- Master Gardeners
- Taste the Market Cooking Demo
- Waco Pet Circle.
Community Workshop: Seed Saving and Seed Swap
MAY 9, 11am-noon at Urban REAP, 1509 N. 15th Street
Attend this workshop to learn from Master Gardener Seed Team about how to save seeds and start new plants. Hear some tips and tricks, and then have the chance to save some seeds for your own! If you have any seeds you want to share, bring them to participate in the swap! Click here to register.
Waco MPO Bike and Pedestrian Work Group Meeting
MAY 20, 10-11am at the Waco Welcome Center, 323 S 6th Street
Join the MPO (Metropolitan Planning Organization) for this workgroup meeting that focuses on improving walking and biking conditions throughout the Waco region. Members include MPO staff, local government representatives from public works, planning, public health, and parks departments, as well as bicycle and pedestrian enthusiasts and advocacy organizations. Discussions cover infrastructure, safety, accessibility, and other key topics related to active transportation.
Lunch with the Masters: Organic Gardening & Developing Third World Farming Practices
MAY 20, Noon-2pm at Texas AgriLife office, 4224 Cobbs Drive
Featuring: Bob Whitney, Regents Fellow & Extension Organic Program Specialist. This will be an exciting armchair adventure as Bob Whitney shares his experiences in developing Extension projects in various countries, including China, India, several Middle Eastern countries, Georgia, Honduras, and several African countries. That discussion will naturally lead to a presentation on organic farming in Texas and how to incorporate some organic practices into your home landscape and garden. Be sure and bring your lunch to this free session. Everyone is welcome.
Sustainable Resource Practices Advisory Board Meeting
MAY 21, 3pm, City of Waco Operations Center, 1415 N 4th Street
The general public is welcome to attend this monthly meeting of the citizen board that makes policy recommendations to the Waco City Council. Consider becoming a member of the board. More information found here.
Art in the Garden
MAY 29, 11am-noon at Urban REAP, 1509 N. 15th Street
Urban Expressions and Urban REAP are so excited to present Art in the Garden!! Join us at Urban REAP for a time of garden-themed crafts and connect with fellow art/garden enthusiasts! We will have art activities geared towards kids and adults, so it will be a fun time for the whole family!! Excited to see everyone there!! Click here to register.
SAVE THE DATE: Styrofoam Recycling Collection Event
JULY 11, 9am-1pm, Parking lot at corner of Valley Mills & Waco Drive
Waco Friends of the Climate will hold the free Quarterly Drive-Thru Styrofoam Recycling, Sat., July 11, 2026, 9am-1pm, in the parking lot at the corner of Valley Mills & Waco Drives, in front of Ocean Buffet. For convenience, all forms of Styrofoam are accepted except peanuts. Please bring small particles in a bag, and rinse food fragments from containers. For more information: anorthc@aol.com. Limited pickup available if attendance on July 11 is not possible: anorthc@aol.com
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Have Something to Share?
Submit your announcements and ideas to Eric Coffman by JUNE 1 to be included in next month's newsletter.
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