Residents and business owners flag litter problems; commissioners ask staff to explore roll-off dumpsters and recycling options

During the public-comment portion of the July 3 meeting, Speaker 4 told the commission that residents and tourists are raising concerns about litter and overflowing trash receptacles: “We have more trash than we have places for it to be disposed,” the speaker said. Business and community speakers described full dumpsters during event weekends and suggested a mix of short-term and longer-term responses.

Suggestions included arranging more frequent emptying of existing receptacles, renting a large roll-off dumpster (a proposed 27-yard container) for busy weekends, and encouraging a private recycling solution for cardboard and plastic. Speaker 4 said they had discussed a cardboard compactor and the possibility of a private trailer that could haul material to Green River or Vernal for processing. A business representative said much of the waste stream at shops was cardboard from deliveries.

Speaker 4 also floated the idea of converting certain fines into community-service obligations (‘‘Instead of the sheriff's office and then court offering fines, we want community service’’) to have litter-related cleanup performed by offenders. Commissioners asked staff to gather information on costs and availability for additional dumpster service, potential delivery fees to Dutch John, and private recycling partners, and agreed to consider options for the remainder of the busy season and next year.