The City of Searcy will transition from residential curbside recycling to a drop-off system beginning October 6, 2025, citing high costs and contamination concerns. Residents will be asked to bring recyclables to the Searcy Recycling Center at 409 W. Beebe Capps Expressway, open Monday through Friday from 7 a.m. to 4 p.m. and Saturdays from 8 a.m. to noon.
In 2024, Searcy’s recycling program cost more than $526,000 to operate but recovered only about $109,000 in revenue, leaving a deficit of nearly $393,000—mostly from curbside collection. Officials say contamination was another major issue, with up to 80% of curbside recyclables ending up in the landfill.
“Unfortunately, the majority of what we pick up from curbside recycling ends up in the landfill because it is contaminated,” said Sanitation Director Todd Phillips. “The majority of what we receive at our drop-off location is sorted properly and actually recycled.”
Experts advised the city that Searcy does not generate enough volume to sustain curbside recycling. Instead, maintaining and strengthening the drop-off center is considered the most cost-effective and environmentally responsible solution.
“This transition allows us to reduce waste, save taxpayer dollars, and ensure that more of what we collect can actually be recycled,” said Mayor Mat Faulkner.
Residents are encouraged to continue using their current bins to transport materials to the center and to properly sort recyclables into plastics, aluminum and tin cans, paper products, and flattened cardboard.
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