Trashy story: Landfill use is on the increase

Construction of the building at the landfill is expected to start this summer once the project goes out for bids and one is approved.

Appliances collected have doubled in 10 years, Doug Morris, solid waste coordinator, told commissioners Tuesday.

The biggest increase has come in cubic yards of leaves, which grew from about 2,000 cubic yards in 1996 to more 16,889 last year.

Morris said the increased use is a positive as it allows the county to dispose of the waste properly in an area where it can be managed.

The growth in the volume of garbage at the landfill has increased. Morris said an indicator of residential use growth comes in the cubic yards measuring loose garbage. Total tons collected increased from 26,251 tons in 1992 to 70,192 tons collected last year.

What's next?

Construction of the building at the landfill is expected to start this summer once the project goes out for bids and one is approved.

For 2004, the landfill has collected 24,479 in loose garbage through March.

The volume of people coming in to use the landfill has significantly increased, Morris said.