Pratt County landfill accepts derailment debris; recycling center faces staffing and cost pressures

Pratt County landfill and recycling staff told commissioners the county has taken 307 tons of debris from a recent train derailment and that the state has agreed those tons will not count against the landfill’s daily tonnage limits.

Landfill manager reported he had coordinated with state officials and an engineer; the county will receive revenue for the debris without the tonnage counting against routine limits, staff said. County staff characterized that arrangement as a material financial and operational win.

Recycling operations are under pressure. The recycling manager said staffing is thin — two at the recycling center and two at the landfill with three others including the manager — and that one long-term employee is out following a motorcycle accident. Staff are exploring part-time hires and shifting existing employees to cover the gap; commissioners discussed options including a temporary hire for the recycling center and a floating staff allocation.

Market conditions are affecting recycling operations: the manager said cardboard prices are about $75 per ton and that some commodities now require payments for shipment; wet cardboard from recent rains has increased apparent weight and storage constraints. The manager said trailers and indoor space are full and that some material will need to be moved soon.

The manager said Nicely (a private contractor) asked to rent space at the landfill for roll-off containers; the county discussed the request and then moved into an attorney–client executive session later in the meeting to discuss contract terms. No public contract terms were finalized in open session.