The Fort Stockton, Texas, landfill is nearing its capacity date, and although a plan is in place for a new location, Public Works officials say recycling properly is more critical than ever.

The Fort Stockton Pioneer reports that roughly 80 percent of the items that end up in the landfill are recyclable items that were instead thrown in the trash. Part of the problem is that residents currently have to take the initiative to bring their recyclables to the area recycling facility. And people need to sort items in the proper bins.

According to the report, the Public Works Department is hoping to get a bigger recycling facility next year. And if the population continues to grow, officials say they may be able to support home recycling with a fee for the extra people and equipment, but for now, that isn't a viable option.

The Fort Stockton Pioneer has more information:

The current landfill in Fort Stockton is nearing the date when it reaches its capacity, but a plan is in place for a new location.

The current landfill sits at 3400 Stone Road and has been in use since the early 1970s, according to Public Works Director Aaron Ramos.

The new location will be 80 acres off of Moody Road, one mile from the current landfill. Planners estimate it should last the city around 100 years.

The biggest problem with the current landfill is that around 80 percent of the items that end up in the trash are recyclable items that were instead thrown away.

Read the full article here.