County solid-waste staff report nearly 1,500 participants in hazardous-waste collection days

Solid-waste staff briefed the Bannock County Board of Commissioners on the past fiscal year’s hazardous-waste collection days at the county landfill, reporting that participation rose compared with the prior year and that digital outreach reduced cost per link click.

Emma Iannacone, public information officer, said "we had a little less than 1,500 people, which is a 160 more than last fiscal year," and that repeat customers and internet referrals — including Facebook and the county website — made up large portions of attendance.

Iannacone said the department spent just under $1,400 on marketing for the program: about $500 on Facebook (roughly $70 per ad per month) and about $900 on YouTube (roughly $150 per month). She said the change from print and radio to digital advertising made it easier to track reach and engagement.

Aubrey Lewis and department staff noted specific diversion totals and programs: oil collections remain significant and about 4,500 pounds of dry pesticides and herbicides were diverted at no cost through an Idaho State Department of Agriculture (ISDA) program. Staff said they will compile more tonnage data, including metal and electronic pickups, for a future report.

Commissioners asked whether the collection days accept business waste; staff confirmed the three collection days are for residents, not businesses. Staff and commissioners suggested adding diversion tonnage and composting statistics to a future consolidated report of landfill performance.

Next steps: staff will return with compiled tonnage data and expansion ideas to present a complete diversion package to the board.