Texas Disposal Systems’ Bee Cave Transfer Site will remain open following action taken by Travis County commissioners Feb. 10.

Diving in deeper: The facility, also known as Eco Depot, was set to close Feb. 14, but commissioners voted to extend a contract with Texas Disposal Systems to keep the facility open.

“I am committed to ensuring that waste disposal services are available for the people of my precinct and Western Travis County,” Precinct 3 Commissioner Ann Howard said in a news release. “We, as a Commissioners Court, have shown our ability to listen to the people and ensure our decision-making is informed by community needs.”

The decision comes following more than 200 residents who reached out with concerns about the closure, according to the news release.

What else? Located at 4001 RM 620, Bee Cave, TDS provides waste management services to the city through a collaboration with Travis County, while Eco Depot serves as an outlet for products from Garden-Ville.

Austin’s supply of parks and open spaces is often referenced as one of its most cherished amenities. But after years of population growth, it’s become more challenging to meet rising recreational needs.

The details: Portions of city bond packages have been used to expand parkland, and Austin’s also relied on a parkland dedication system requiring developers to either pay fees or contribute land. But future acquisition funding is uncertain, especially under a 2023 state law that slashed dedication requirements.

The changes came as much of Austin lacks the parks access that’s a stated desire of residents and city planners. Less than 18.5 acres of parkland were available per 1,000 residents as of late 2025, 77% of the city’s per-resident goal and a gap that equates to a need of roughly 5,700 new acres, or almost 9 square miles.

Travis County has reinstated a burn ban for unincorporated areas that was lifted Jan. 26.

The Travis County Commissioners Court approved implementing a burn ban effective immediately at its Feb. 10 meeting. The burn ban will last 30 days unless lifted earlier by the Travis County judge or fire marshal.

The update: The burn ban comes after Travis County responded to 20-25 fires Feb. 8, Gary Howell, Travis County Chief Fire Marshal, said at the Feb. 10 meeting.

The ban applies to outdoor burning in unincorporated areas of Travis County, excluding prescribed burns, outdoor welding, cutting, grinding or other hot work operations when conducted in accordance with the Travis County Fire Marshal’s Office guidelines.

Also of note: The Travis County Fire Marshal’s Office is also urging residents to:

• Avoid activities that could generate sparks.
• Use caution when grilling or barbecuing outdoors. Residents should keep a water source or fire extinguisher nearby when doing so.
• Call 911 if they notice a fire that may be out of control.