Plano recycling services back online after fire as company mulls replacement facility

The company responsible for processing recyclable items for the city of Plano is discussing options for a potential replacement facility after its Plano location was engulfed in flames and destroyed in December.

Republic Services has removed the debris resulting from the Dec. 28 fire at the 14th Street facility just east of Los Rios Boulevard, company spokesperson Tracy Skenandore said. A replacement facility would most likely be located at the original site, she said, although the company is reviewing options.

“We are dedicated and committed to restoring the local recycling resources offered to the community and our customers we feel fortunate to serve,” Skenandore said.

Following a two-week period immediately after the fire during which the city simply dropped its recyclable materials in a landfill, Republic Services has been processing those materials at the Waste Management facility in Garland, according to Skenandore. The city announced Jan. 11 that recycling services would be restored.

The 14th Street facility had served as a drop-off point for the city’s recycling—much of which consisted of combustible materials that could facilitate a fast-spreading fire, Plano Fire-Rescue reported at the time.

Fire officials reported no injuries to Republic Services employees. The facility was declared a total loss even as firefighters continued to monitor the residual flames the following morning.