Refuse Update/Clarification

For the purpose of this posting, the 'Dump' consists of two separate activities. The first is a brush and yard waste drop off site, and the second, is a transfer station for garbage - which is currently being referred to as the Compactor.

The brush and yard waste drop off site will remain open to city residents, regardless of the fate of the Compactor. Right now, even folks outside of the city can discard of yard waste and limbs at the city's facility. There has never been any discussion by the City Commission of closing this part of the dump for city residents, although I believe the State of Kansas could shut it down if it is not well-maintained.

What has been discussed is closing the Compactor. However, for the time being it remains open to city residents/businesses at no cost - so called business as usual. In addition, the City Commission has directed the transfer station attendants to gather data regarding how many people are using the facility, and for what purpose. 

Eventually, there will be a charge (per trip, per bulky item, etc.) for those using the Compactor. The city is no longer receiving revenue for refuse collection, thus the people using the Compactor will have to pay their own way. What will the hours be, and how much it will cost per trip (or per bulky item) has not been determined? But the days of unlimited trash disposal (for $15/month) seem to be gone. If it remains open, it will be a so-called pay-per-throw facility.

Moreover, there has been debate amongst the City Commission regarding who should even be allowed to use the Compactor. Should it be limited to city residents, or should anyone who is willing to purchase a 'punch card' be able to use the Compactor. This issue remains unsettled. (The metal bin will also remain open - for no cost, since a little revenue could be generated from this.)

While contemplating the privatizing of the refuse department it was learned that TriCounty will collect almost everything you set out - without question - unless of course you clean out your garage and have a heaping pile of trash. And it isn't that they will not accept the heaping pile of trash, you just need to call ahead and let them know - and, there may be an additional fee. Then again, there will likely be a charge for using the city's Compactor.

One of TriCounty's customers told me that TriCounty picked up a recliner without question, another was able to dispose of a pole with some concrete on the bottom and a birdhouse on the top. But, TriCounty does not accept any yard waste. Fortunately, the Street Department will continue their brush pick up on the first Tuesday of each month, or you can haul your own.

I hope that some of the questions floating around have been answered, although as stated, some matters still remain undecided. Below is a link to the .pdf that is being used to make the punch cards. The second page of the pdf should further help to clarify matters, in regards to the operation of the Compactor.

Also, I would like to thank everyone that has signed up for the Nixle alerts. We started the blog to avoid overusing Nixle - and please feel free to post this on the garage sale Facebook page. Starting next week the blog will be moved to a drop down box under the Alerts tab on the city's website.

Click Here to view the Compactor Punch Card