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West University Place officials are considering alternatives to how residents can dispose of their hazardous waste recycling.
What this means
On April 13, City Council heard from Allison Kozdron, a West U resident who serves on the city’s Recycling and Solid Waste Reduction Board, about ways the city can allow residents to dispose of hazardous waste.
Hazardous waste could be materials such as old batteries, cans of paint, cleaning products or flammable liquids, Kozdron said.
The city currently has options, but Kozdron said they only reach about 5% of residents. Two of the three current options require residents to drive their recyclables to a location to be disposed of. The third option is a semiannual event hosted by the city.
“In our views, this level of reach doesn’t match the quality and level of accessibility as other city services,” Kozdron said. “As we approach the next budget cycle, we ask council to consider these other options.”
The options
One option was to host an event in the city where residents could bring their hazardous waste materials to be properly disposed of. It would be a one-time event and would only reach about 10% of residents, Kozdron said. To put on a drive would cost around $53,000.
“The cost for a single event is significant,” she said. “While helpful, it will only serve a small portion of our community.”
The other option would be an at-your-door collection, where residents would schedule via phone or online for Waste Management to come by and collect their waste. It would cost around $18 a year for residents, breaking down to $1.50 a month.
“It’s flexible and convenient and meets residents where they are,” Kozdron said.
Kozdron added that it would be unlimited and there would be no cap on how many pickups can be done.
The board recommended using the Waste Management at-your-door services.
What they are saying
Council member Clay Brett said that the recommended option could be popular with residents.
“I’m really excited about this, and I think we can start this faster than [fiscal year] 2027,” he said.
Council member Kalie Rainsberger agreed that it would be popular, adding that she would use the services personally.
Stay tuned
Council said they will consider formally adopting an option during the May City Council meetings.
