Has Nez Perce County Changed Its Trash Drop Locations?

Residents living in unincorporated areas of Nez Perce County will be required to transport their waste to the Asotin County Regional Landfill beginning on 1 October. This change aims to reduce costs for residents while affecting the existing waste management framework in the region.

Last updated: 29 September 2023 (BST)

Overview of the Change in Waste Disposal

Starting from 1 October 2023, all trash haulers operating in the unincorporated parts of Nez Perce County will no longer use the Lewiston Transfer Station. Instead, they must take their waste to the Asotin County Regional Landfill. This shift is expected to streamline waste management in the area and potentially lower costs for residents.

Key Takeaways

• Effective 1 October 2023, unincorporated Nez Perce County residents will use Asotin County Landfill.
• Estimated savings of around £200,000 from the county’s solid waste budget.
• Impacts on Lewiston's city budget due to loss of revenue.
• No changes to curbside and bulky waste services for current customers.
• Residents need a “direct haul” permit for landfill access.

Reasoning Behind the Change

Nez Perce County Commissioner Joe Gish proposed this change, citing expected savings of approximately £200,000 from a total solid waste budget of £1.3 million. Gish acknowledged the difficulty in precisely estimating total costs due to the absence of a scale at the Lewiston Transfer Station, which has hindered accurate data collection.

“It’s hard to determine the total cost,” Gish mentioned, emphasising that a year’s worth of data would allow for more accurate projections regarding ongoing savings for the county. He has noted that the managers of the Asotin County landfill have been cooperative during this transitional period.

Impact on Lewiston

Officials from Lewiston were caught off guard by the county's decision. City spokesperson Carol Maurer commented that the city is still evaluating the financial implications of losing Nez Perce County's waste volume, which accounted for approximately 12% of the total waste processed. This change could lead to a revenue loss of at least £101,000 for the city.

Understanding the financial dynamics at play is crucial as Lewiston navigates the implications of this new waste disposal arrangement. The city will need to adjust its budget accordingly while assessing how to maintain services without this revenue stream.

Continued Services for Curbside Customers

Despite the changes affecting landfill usage, customers who currently receive curbside and bulky waste services from Inland North Waste and Sunshine Disposal Inc. will not experience any alterations to their service. This continuity is vital for residents who rely on these essential waste management services.

Hauling Instructions for Residents

Residents outside of Lewiston must acquire a “direct haul” permit from the Nez Perce County Commissioner’s Office, located on the third floor of the NPC Courthouse. This permit is necessary for their waste loads to be charged to the county at the landfill.

For those living within Lewiston, proof of residency is required before utilising the landfill. Residents must present a utility bill and a driver’s licence that share the same address to drop off their garbage.

What Happens Next?

As the transition to the Asotin County Landfill unfolds, both Nez Perce County and Lewiston will be closely monitoring the effects on community waste management and overall costs. Future assessments will likely dictate whether additional adjustments are necessary to maintain service levels and budgetary health.

Stakeholders are encouraged to engage with the county's offices as the new system is implemented to ensure a smooth transition. Public feedback may also play a role in refining processes moving forward.

Conclusion

In summary, the shift in waste disposal practices for unincorporated areas of Nez Perce County marks a significant change that could offer potential cost savings and operational efficiencies. As the county moves forward, it will be crucial to evaluate the impacts on both residents and the city of Lewiston. What other changes might emerge in waste management practices in the future?

#WasteManagement #NezPerceCounty #AsotinCountyLandfill

FAQs

Why are residents required to use the Asotin County Regional Landfill?

The change aims to reduce costs for residents and improve waste management efficiency, as Nez Perce County expects to save significant funds by no longer using the Lewiston Transfer Station.

How much money is Nez Perce County expected to save?

Nez Perce County estimates a savings of around £200,000 from its solid waste budget of £1.3 million, although precise figures will be clearer after a year of data collection.

Will Lewiston residents experience any changes in waste services?

Lewiston residents will need to show proof of residency to access the landfill, but the curbside and bulky waste services provided by Inland North Waste and Sunshine Disposal Inc. will remain unchanged.

What is a “direct haul” permit?

A direct haul permit is required for residents outside of Lewiston to ensure their waste loads are charged to the county when using the Asotin County Landfill. This permit can be obtained from the Nez Perce County Commissioner’s Office.

How will the changes affect the city budget of Lewiston?

The loss of Nez Perce County's waste volume, which accounted for about 12% of total waste processed, could result in a revenue loss of at least £101,000 for Lewiston, impacting its budget planning.