During a recent government meeting, the mayor and council discussed the current status of the local recycling program following a fire at the materials recovery facility (MRF) on June 12. The fire has rendered the MRF inoperable, leaving the community without a local facility to process commingled recyclables. The nearest operational MRF is located in Dallas, which presents logistical challenges for transporting materials.

In light of these developments, the city plans to temporarily halt recycling efforts until the MRF can be rebuilt, a process expected to take nine to twelve months. The mayor emphasized the city's commitment to recycling, assuring residents that there will be no reduction in staff or equipment during this period. Instead, the city anticipates cost savings in areas such as overtime, fuel, and disposal fees, as landfill costs are significantly lower than those associated with MRF processing.

To manage these savings, the city intends to issue a one-time refund to customers at the end of each fiscal year. For the current fiscal year, residents can expect a refund of approximately $1.40, with a potential increase to $5.50 in the following year if the MRF is rebuilt on schedule. The mayor encouraged residents to maintain their recycling habits, even though recyclables are currently being sent to the landfill, to ensure a smooth transition once the facility is operational again.