Southwest Missouri News--Branson

by Carol Harris, Branson area, and Mary Engler-Guccione, Joplin area

n's Recycling Center has halted the acceptance of paper at its facility.

Debbie Redford, environmental specialist for the city of Branson, said "We received a call (March 9) that when the compactor on hand was full, it would be the last load American Disposal could take. Apparently the company that was buying our mixed paper has changed hands. The price has dropped to between $5 and $10 a ton, and American simply cannot afford to underwrite the loss."

She said although the center will not accept paper, it will continue to accept cardboard. Redford said about 25 businesses brought cardboard to the center on a regular basis. Last year, the city recycled 472,388 pounds of combined paper and cardboard.

Other area recycling centers quit accepting mixed paper about 18 months ago, Redford said.