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Kershaw County proposes Tuesday–Saturday hours for convenience centers to save costs; some residents warn of weekend access issues
Summary
Solid Waste director proposed standardizing convenience‑center hours to Tuesday–Saturday (6 a.m.–6 p.m.), routing large loads to the landfill and expanding landfill hours; staff estimated about $166,000 annual savings while some council members and residents warned of impacts on lake homeowners and weekend users.
Solid Waste Director Chris Thomas presented a plan to standardize convenience‑center hours — closing centers on Sunday and Monday and operating Tuesday–Saturday from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m. — and to route large construction and yard‑waste loads directly to the landfill. Staff said the changes and operational adjustments could yield approximately $166,000 in annual savings through reduced staffing needs, lower fuel and maintenance costs, and fewer out‑of‑county loads on Sundays.
Thomas described the operational elements: standard hours at convenience centers, a clarification that "large loads" are to be taken to the landfill (no motor vehicles larger than a 3/4‑ton pickup; no trailers longer than 8 feet or with more than one axle), and extending landfill hours Monday–Saturday 7 a.m.–5 p.m. to accommodate redirected heavy traffic. He suggested a July implementation window to allow public education and logistics changes.
Several council members signaled support for trying the approach; others and residents urged caution. Councilman Brazell said the change could disproportionately affect weekend residents and second‑home owners at Lake Wateree, warning of potential littering and access concerns when centers are closed on Sundays. Director Thomas said similar schedules in neighboring counties did not produce widespread dumping and that staff expects a manageable transition with public outreach.
Next steps: staff said they will conduct an education campaign in advance of implementation, monitor impacts, and be prepared to adjust operations based on usage and community feedback.
