Waitsburg re-evaluates recycling programs

WAITSBURG—Following a lengthy discussion, the Waitsburg City Council unanimously agreed that woody yard debris and cardboard will be accepted at the City’s wastewater treatment plant from 8 a.m.-noon on both Saturdays and Mondays. Glass, paper and plastics recycling will not be resumed, and all recycling programs will be re-evaluated in approximately six months.

Mayor Marty Dunn added the topic to the agenda after receiving multiple complaints from residents who are no longer able to dump debris at the wastewater plant. Historically, the plant gates were left open and residents were allowed to drop off woody debris at the plant to be chipped.

In June, City Administrator Randy Hinchliffe informed the council that abuse of the site was becoming more rampant and that someone, possibly a tree contractor, had dumped four whole trees. At that time, it was decided that the gates would be closed, and debris would only be accepted when staff was guaranteed to be on-site, from 8:30-10:30 a.m. on Monday mornings.

Dunn said he had also received comments from concerned citizens asking about the City’s decision to remove the recycling bins at the City shop.

“I asked Randy to go back out and get some prices for us in case council wants to re-look at it or at least get the word about why we made the decision we did and how much it costs,” Dunn said.

Council addressed the topic as three separate issues: Glass/paper/plastics recycling, cardboard recycling and yard debris.

Woody yard debris

Council members agreed that it is important to provide residents with the ability to dump woody debris on a Saturday, when many are not working. Extensive discussion revolved around the ability to cite those who abuse the system, manning the site, charging for the service, and identifying offenders.

“How about if we try it and let it run for summer and fall and tweak it, if needed, next spring,” said council member Kuykendall.

It was decided that gates will be opened from 8a.m.-noon each Saturday. A security camera will be installed, and users will be charged a nominal $5 fee on Saturdays, to be placed in a box on the honor system.

A sign posting what is acceptable will be prominently displayed at the site. Residents may drop off up to three yards of woody debris, branches and limbs 3” in diameter or less, that will go through the chipper. Grass, pinecones and leaves are not accepted.

The plant will also be open to accept woody debris on Monday mornings at which time the $5 fee will be waived as City staff will be on site to inspect items, Hinchliffe told The Times.

Cardboard

The council also agreed that cardboard will be accepted on the same schedule as woody debris and can be dropped off inside the baler building. Hinchliffe said it is easier to use the baler if boxes are not flattened, but they will be accepted either flattened or intact.

Glass/paper/plastics

Hinchliffe described the current state of recycling is “abysmal” due largely to China’s unwillingness not to accept recycling from the U.S. He said the cost structure has changed since recycling was previously offered in Waitsburg and now includes container rent, tonnage and sundry costs. He said BDI estimates that it will cost $3,800/yr. just to have a bin sit at the shop and dump it. He said that having an employee on site on Saturday would mean additional costs.

Council agreed that the costs to re-establish the service are currently prohibitive.

Council member Kate Hockersmith said that some local private groups and individuals are working on ways to make recycling feasible and asked that the council re-evaluate the situation in six months.