(Port Lavaca, TX)- Calhoun County and Formosa Plastics Corporation, U.S.A. Texas, broke ground on Monday, May 6, for a future recycle center. The County already has a center but plans to expand it and add key improvements.

Calhoun County Commissioner for Precinct 2 Vern Lyssy said the building will be hurricane-proof and hold more recyclable materials. “The building will have a concrete push wall and roll-off container. This will help Republic Services work more efficiently. Right now, they make frequent trips to Corpus Christi. The new center will hold more, reducing trips and our carbon footprint.”

On May 1, the Calhoun County Commissioners Court approved the project. G&W Engineers will handle engineering. Con Metal Contractors will build the center. “We will begin excavating next week and hope to finish by January 2025,” said Darren Downs, Vice President for Con Metal Contractors.

Formosa Plastics Provides Major Grant

The project received a $670,000 grant from the Formosa Plastics Environmental Endowment Trust Fund on June 14, 2023.

“This is part of our sustainability goals,” said Eric Stevenson, Director of Administration for Formosa Plastics, Texas. “We’ve recycled oil and metal for over 30 years. Last year, we started recycling post-consumer materials. We’ve also donated more than $60,000 to Point Comfort to provide bins and free curbside pickup. So far, residents have kept 30,700 pounds of clean recyclables out of landfills.”

Mike Reeves, Republic Services Manager of Municipal Services, praised the community.
“We were very impressed with the low contamination rate in Point Comfort. It was the cleanest start we’ve seen. Most cities take years to teach people how to recycle correctly. Education and communication are essential.”

A Shared Commitment to a Greener Future

Stevenson added that the new center will support other nearby communities too.
“It cuts trips to Corpus Christi and supports local recycling efforts. It also makes it easier for others to join us in recycling bottles, cans, and cardboard. We’re excited to work with more partners and build a better legacy for our grandchildren.”