Kent County and city OK plan to relocate household hazardous waste drop‑off on public‑works site

The City Commission authorized the mayor to enter into a contract with Kent County and to proceed with work to relocate the county’s household hazardous waste (HHW) collection site onto the public‑works expansion area. Staff said Kent County will reimburse construction costs and provide staffing for the HHW operation; the city will provide the site and manage construction through change orders tied to ongoing expansion work.

Public Works staff described safety and operational reasons for the move: the existing HHW drive‑in area had become crowded and posed safety concerns because vehicles were off the circulation path; the proposed location is closer to centralized drop‑off points (yard‑waste areas and material dumps) and will be more visible to residents while keeping operations out of vehicle‑heavy zones.

Staff requested that construction be completed by Dec. 1, pending commission approval; commissioners praised the county partnership and the convenience provided to residents. The commission approved the contract and change order authorization; staff noted Kent County’s ongoing role in staffing and funding the HHW program.

No formal budget appropriation from city general funds was recorded in the meeting transcript for this item; staff said Kent County will reimburse the city for project costs.