The Bull Shoals City Council has voted to discontinue the blue bag recycling program effective January 1, citing widespread misuse of the bags and inefficiencies in the program.
City officials said the blue bags were frequently used for non-recyclable and unsanitary items, including dirty diapers, spoiled food, used napkins and cigarettes. As a result, city employees were spending an estimated 30 to 40 hours each month sorting through the bags, with only about 10 percent of the contents qualifying as recyclable material. The remaining 90 percent was ultimately disposed of in the city dumpster.
Residents who wish to continue recycling will still have options available. Recycling bins for cardboard, aluminum cans and newspapers will be located outside the Public Works shop yard at the end of Redbud Road, near the archery range across from Danuser Park.
In addition to the recycling changes, the city announced new City Hall hours beginning January 1. Officials said extended hours until 5:30 saw very limited use by residents.
Under the new schedule, City Hall will be open from 8 to 5, Monday through Thursday, and from 8 to noon on Fridays.
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