SAN ANTONIO – The Solid Waste Management Department is proposing a $50 fine for households that throw diapers into recycling or organic waste bins instead of the trash.

Used diapers contaminate the other recyclables in that are placed in the bin.

The department says that the proposed fine is not about raising money, but rather about educating residents. Diapers are already listed on the City's website among items that cannot be recycled.

Currently, the improperly disposed of diapers are costing the city $1.2 million a year.

The City previously launched a campaign in 2016 to keep diapers out of recycling bins and charged residents $25 for doing so.

The $50 fine is only a proposal and the San Antonio City Council will have to vote on it.