Council hears options for bulky‑item pickup, transfer station limits and new recycling rules

Council members pressed Waste Management on what is and is not allowed at the Bernardo Transfer Station and how bulky-item disposal will be handled under the updated rates.

"We accept municipal solid waste, which is wet trash, essentially, household trash, tires, glass, and motor oil," said Nick Reese, Waste Management local operations manager, when asked about acceptable materials. He and Huber emphasized that hazardous materials (asbestos, gas, certain chemicals) are not accepted at the transfer station and must go to specialized facilities.

Bulky-item pricing and logistics were a frequent topic. Huber outlined examples in the package and noted a $65 charge for picking up a large sectional sofa; councilors and staff discussed using contained drop boxes and voucher systems to help residents comply with code. Councilor questions noted a discrepancy between an earlier packet item ($35) and the presented $65 figure; staff said the new schedule is more itemized by size and material.

Huber described operational constraints tied to DEQ permitting: uncovered large roll-off boxes are not acceptable in current operations, and frequent open boxes could create compliance problems. He also confirmed a county-hosted household hazardous-waste event (Saturday, 8 a.m.–noon) and discussed growing e-waste acceptance under extended producer responsibility programs.

The council asked staff to return with implementation details and customer-notification plans when they consider the rate resolution on April 20.