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Ten years ago, the East Aldine Neighborhood Depository & Recycling Center was just an idea at the East Aldine Management District. Today, it’s a thriving hub of community service and environmental stewardship, largely thanks to Selina Valdez’s relentless drive and vision.

Valdez, a native of East Aldine and a U.S. Marine, brought her trademark can-do spirit when she took charge of the center in September 2022. Armed with determination, a good story, and a smile, she quickly immersed herself in environmental regulations, studied Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ) and Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) guidelines, and developed a plan to make the facility sustainable, accessible, and impactful. She is also thankful for the recycling conferences the East Aldine Management District (EAMD) sent her to, where she forged connections and learned more about the finance side of the industry.

By the time the center officially opened in May 2023, Valdez, who acts as a liaison between SMC Management and the EAMD, had already set the tone: this was not just a dumping ground but a community asset. The facility offers a wide range of services, including waste disposal for non-hazardous materials, recycling for various items such as paper, plastic, and glass (a more recent addition), and a drop-off point for some appliances (including refrigerators, freezers, water heaters, stoves, and microwaves). Through a grassroots marketing campaign that included knocking on 1,200 doors and mailing postcards to every resident in the district, she and her team introduced neighbors to these services. The response was swift. The center collected 225,000 pounds of waste and recyclables in the first nine months.

That number has now surpassed 1 million pounds — a milestone that aligns with the center’s EPA goals and speaks volumes about East Aldine’s commitment to cleaner neighborhoods. This achievement is a testament to the community’s dedication and the impact of their collective efforts.

Richard Cantú, Executive Director of the East Aldine Management District, credited the board’s foresight and leadership: “The East Aldine Management District Board of Directors’ leadership has enabled us to become the first management district in Texas to operate a Recycling Center, a significant achievement. This center is a valuable resource for the community.”

Today, the facility operates with a tight-knit crew of four, including an 18-year-old team member and the youngest in the group, all of whom, Valdez says, “They take care of it ASAP.” The place is clean and organized. Their dedication has won over residents, many returning regularly with everything from tree limbs to tires, drywall to cardboard. This is a community effort, and every resident should feel proud of their contribution.

“We’re not a dump site,” Valdez emphasized. “This is a place of pride.”

That pride is evident in every corner of the site — from the meticulously organized drop-off areas to the colorful murals by Houston-based artist Gelson D. Lemus, aka W3R3ON3, commissioned by the East Aldine Arts Council. Visitors often express their gratitude in small but heartfelt ways: tacos, oranges, soda — and always kind words. Each gift is responded to with a personal handwritten note or card signed by all the staff members.

The facility’s popularity surged again after the May 2024 derecho storm. Despite the chaos in the community, the center remained open on its first anniversary. Families found relief and support in the facility’s continued service.

Valdez has also turned her sights to education and outreach. Working with Worsham Elementary PTO President Amy Acosta, she plans to speak with students about recycling. While the facility is currently at capacity, Valdez hopes for future expansion to accommodate the growing demand.

Her biggest challenge? Getting the 3,000+ residents who’ve used the facility to spread the word to their neighbors. “If each of them told just one more person,” she said, “imagine what we could do.”

Partnerships with organizations like GFL Environmental Inc., Strategic Materials, Inc. (for glass recycling; it is the largest provider of raw material for Corning Insulation), Prestige Metals, Living Earth, and On-Site Tire Disposal LLC have helped keep operations smooth and costs low. Thanks to support from the East Aldine Management District, the center recently acquired a new container at no cost.

While there’s no volunteer program yet, Valdez envisions one in the future, especially for EAMD events. The goal is to expand community involvement and promote environmental responsibility, one conversation at a time.

“The community’s involvement is not just desired but crucial to the center’s success,” said Valdez. “Every resident’s contribution is valued and integral to the center’s mission.”

For Valdez, success is measured in tonnage and transformation — of places, people, and perspectives. As one grateful resident told her, clearing debris after a family tragedy wasn’t just cleanup but healing.

East Aldine Neighborhood Depository & Recycling Center
2789 Hopper Rd. • Houston, TX 77093
Drop-offs by appointment only. Call 713.454.7185.
Tuesday-Saturday from 9 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.
Closed Sunday and Monday.

To learn more, schedule an appointment, or review site rules, visit AldineDistrict.org/Recycle.