Staff writer
Marion County may haul its trash elsewhere.
At Monday’s Marion County Commission meeting, officials heard Saline County is willing to negotiate the price for allowing the county to dump solid waste.
Currently the county hires Robinson Trucking of Florence to haul semi trailer loads to a landfill by Topeka. Rising fuel costs have the commission wondering if a shorter haul would pay off.
County transfer station manager Rollin Schmidt told the commission that a decision would have to be made in August regarding the continuation of the contract with Hamm Quarry or consider dumping by Salina.
Originally the Salina landfill wanted $30 per ton but now was willing to negotiate. If the county committed to Saline County, it would have to be a five-year commitment.
“If it wasn’t for fuel and hauling costs, I would recommend renewing our contract with Hamm but in the meantime, our hauling costs are high,” Schmidt said. He noted that 42 percent of solid waste disposal costs were for fuel.
Hamm currently charges the county only $19.75 per ton plus a fuel surcharge of 71 cents per ton.
“They’re cheaper but are just so far away,” Schmidt said.
Commissioner Randy Dallke asked for a comparison of costs between Hamm and Saline County. He also wants Robinson Trucking to be involved.
In other business:
- A mercury sweep will continue for Marion County until Sept. 13 at the county household hazardous waste office on North Coble Street, Marion. Kansas Department of Health & Environment will dispose of mercury for free, no questions asked. The last time there was a free disposal, Marion County collected more than 50 pounds and was one of the top three collections in the state.
- Schmidt asked the commission to consider charging everyone the same for solid waste disposal on the tax roll. He does not agree with the appeal process for part-time county residents. Schmidt said this would be a way to not raise taxes and save money.
- Commissioner Dan Holub said he would like to discuss recycling proposals at a future commission meeting, possibly Aug. 18.