Shawnee County Solid Waste reports customer growth and recycling program changes

Shawnee County's Solid Waste Division is making strides in waste management, with a focus on financial stability and community service. During the recent Shawnee County Commission Work Session, officials highlighted the division's three main areas: refuse, recycling, and household hazardous waste management.

The division is committed to keeping operations financially sound, aiming to "stay out of the red" while providing essential services to residents. A key highlight is the free household hazardous waste disposal service available to all Shawnee County residents, regardless of whether they are customers. This initiative helps prevent hazardous materials from ending up in landfills and ditches, promoting environmental safety.

In terms of customer engagement, the Solid Waste Division has seen consistent growth in refuse services, although recycling numbers have declined since the introduction of a $3.50 fee for recycling services. This fee has led to a cleaner recycling stream, as customers are now more invested in the quality of materials they recycle.

Financially, the division reported over $18.5 million in revenue for the previous year, with projections indicating a potential increase to around $19 million this year. The revenue breakdown shows that over 60% comes from city customers, with additional contributions from county commerce and commercial clients.

Overall, the Solid Waste Division is navigating challenges in waste management while ensuring that community needs are met and environmental standards are upheld. The focus remains on enhancing service delivery and maintaining financial health as they move forward.