Less than a year after its inauguration, Waste Management has temporarily suspended operations at its Waller County recycling facility, resulting in the dismissal of 88 workers. The shutdown, attributed to “adverse market conditions and decreasing customer demand” for recycled plastics used in packaging, marks a significant setback for the $150 million plant, which processes low-density and linear low-density polyethylene post-consumer resin (PCR) – a material prevalent in products like grocery bags and pallet wrap.
The layoffs commenced on October 15, as detailed in a WARN notice filed with the Texas Workforce Commission and obtained by Chron. Although employees ceased active duties on this date, they will continue to receive full pay and benefits until December 31, 2025. The notice emphasizes that while operations are currently paused, the facility is not permanently closed and may resume should market conditions improve. Nonetheless, the layoffs are considered permanent, and none of the affected employees belong to a union, according to the WARN filing.
The job cuts affect a diverse array of positions, including technicians, maintenance staff, engineers, and lab technicians. The plant, occupying five buildings over 150 acres, was highlighted by the Houston Business Journal as one of Waste Management’s largest recycling centers. This development mirrors a broader trend of workforce reductions across Texas. Job1USA recently announced the layoff of 130 employees statewide due to lost contracts impacting areas like Arlington, Fort Worth, San Antonio, Houston, and Round Rock.
The financial sector is also experiencing cutbacks; Wells Fargo plans to eliminate 225 positions at its Lubbock support operations center, while Colonial Savings will discontinue its servicing division, affecting 130 roles in Fort Worth—a combined total of over 350 job reductions. Additionally, the snack-industry company Congo Brands, known for products such as Prime Hydration and Alani Nu, will reduce its workforce by approximately 155 employees in North Texas following a $1.65 billion acquisition.
