“Our glass crushers are due for replacement and we had to make a decision whether or not to stay with glass recycling or focus our funds and manpower on other recycling opportunities,” said Branson Public Works Director Larry VanGilder.

The recycle center will continue to accept fluorescent light bulbs because they are processed separately through a hazardous waste facility.

Glass has been traditionally difficult for recycle personnel to handle, with the possibility of cuts or injury.  Because glass is heavy, transportation to a processing facility is expensive and most local recycling companies no longer accept glass. Many of the cities in southwest Missouri have already discontinued accepting glass in their recycle centers.

Branson Environmental Specialist Mona Menezes said, if a cost-effective alternative can be found, the city will reinstate the program.

In addition, also starting Nov. 20, the recycle center will discontinue taking electronics, again due to changing economic conditions.  However, Best Buy in Branson does accept household electronics for recycling, and the electronics for recycling need not have been purchased at Best Buy.  For more information, go to www.bestbuy.com/ and scroll down to the recycling section.  A $10 fee applies to TVs and computer monitors; however, Best Buy provides a gift card in the amount of the fee.  All other e-waste electronics like computers, keyboards, cell phones, towers, etc. are taken at no charge.