Future of county's solid waste, recycling discussed
Interim Marion County Transfer Station Manager Rollin Schmidt introduced some interesting ideas Monday to Marion County Commission regarding the use of the former landfill site.
He suggested the site could be developed as the county's transfer station and recycling center with a construction and demolition dump site.
Issues have arisen at the current transfer station building — deterioration of the former city electrical plant building, limited expansion options, and the fact it is located within the city limits.
With recycling being considered by the county, Schmidt said one consideration would be to have the entire operation under one roof and relocate it outside of town.
Schmidt also had other suggestions:
— Load C&D waste at the current transfer station from the north door into a roll-off trailer. Schmidt offered variations to this scenario.
A reduction of C&D waste in the trash stream would mean less being transported to the landfill and a cost-savings to the county.
— Take C&D waste to McPherson County landfill.
— Put operation of transfer station out for bid as Dickinson and Morris counties have done.
— Contact recycling companies currently serving Marion County.
— Secure grant funds to acquire trailers for picking up of recyclables.
— If a facility is built at the former landfill site, the current transfer station building could be used as a recycling center.
Schmidt added that after visiting other recycling centers, he does not believe there is sufficient space available at the transfer station location for a recycling center.
He reported that Chase County collects recyclables and transports to Emporia. No assessment is made to county residents.
In other department business:
— Mobile pickups are planned in communities. The schedule is 9 a.m. to noon, Sept. 23, Lincolnville; 10 a.m. to noon, Sept. 30, Tampa; 9 a.m. to noon, Oct. 7, Goessel; 9 a.m. to noon, Oct. 14, Peabody; and 9 a.m. to noon, Oct. 21, Lehigh.
— No work will be completed to the tipping floor of the transfer station until the county decides the future of the transfer station. An architect determined there was patterned cracking in the floor of the transfer station and requires further analysis before more improvements are made to the building.
— Schmidt reported the grant had been received for a paint can crusher.
— There were 5,061 tons of solid waste during August, and 260 trips to the landfill.
