H-E-B supports Smithville recycling with $50K grant

SMITHVILLE — Smithville has received a $50,000 recycling grant from H-E-B to expand and improve its recycling operations, officials announced earlier this month.

The funding, awarded through the Keep Texas Recycling program, will go toward a new baler for city use—designed for mixed paper and potentially white paper if local partnerships are secured. The grant also covers an electrical upgrade for the recycling compressor, updated signage and a mobile ramp for loading sellable materials.

“This is a big step forward for our community,” City Manager Robert Tamble said. “With help from H-E-B and KTR, we’re improving our operational capacity and efficiency, and we hope to inspire other small towns to follow suit.” 

Smithville’s recycling efforts have long been supported by Keep Texas Recycling, which assists small and rural communities in developing sustainable materials management programs, Tamble said.

The new equipment will boost Smithville’s ability to process and market recyclable materials, according to the city manager, helping reduce waste and promote environmental responsibility across the community.