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The Timberdoodle - Page Ten

Text Box: Now there’s not enough water level to use the river for it’s original purpose. Pete Oetting: On the subject of the super levy I thought after the flood of 1993 it was decided that wetland areas were to be kept for wetland areas and I thought there (Continued on Next Page) would be no significant development in these areas that would be damaged by a flood. At the present time I don't think anyone is willing to fund such a massive project. I am not aware of any structural construction involving this question at this time.
How could Jefferson City’s solid waste disposal be improved? Ron Medin: We enjoy relatively modest rates for residential garbage disposal but those savings are premised on a no-frills approach of pretty much hauling everything to the landfill. That has to be taking its toll on the remaining capacity of the existing landfill, and finding another site will likely be an arduous and expensive process. We need to promote ways that make it easy for residents to take advantage of alternatives to the “blue bins” in disposing of solid waste. Returning to River City Habitat for Humanity, its “Re-Store” which accepts donations of surplus construction materials and household goods, and then sells them for a profit is an example of a project that keeps stuff out of the landfill while supporting housing for deserving families. Jane Smith: I believe that the City’s solid waste disposal could be improved through more active encouragement of recycling. Jim Penfold: I think that there are several activities that need to be seriously considered related to solid waste disposal. The city is evaluating different approaches for the collection and disposal of yard wastes. I support this

Text Box: effort seeking alternatives to open burning and to provide convenient methods for residents to dispose of grass clipping, leaves and woody wastes through the yard waste composting facilities. It would be beneficial for the city or county or the larger business operations to encourage and, perhaps, sponsor opportunities for residents to have their personal and confidential correspondence shredded and recycled reducing solid wastes amounts to a limited degree and providing another alternative to open burning. I think that the city should provide household hazardous waste collection either through periodic collection events or at an established collection center. Directly associated with this, the city, in cooperation with the Department of Natural Resources, should find an acceptable process for small businesses to dispose of their small quantities of hazardous wastes (cleaning agents, paints, stains, solvents, florescent bulbs, etc.) through the household hazardous waste collection process. I think that the city, working with area recyclers or on its own, should continue to improve the convenience and scope of recycling programs, including acceptance of glass and evaluating the feasibility of mixed-stream, curbside pick-up of recyclable materials. When recycling options and convenience increase, the negative effects of “blue barrels” on the solid waste disposal amounts and process should be evaluated. Joe Wilson: We need to use less and recycle more of what we do use. Trash is a major problem, as we live in a “Throw Away” society. (Our Animal Shelter is a classic example of “disposables.”) I think this should be explored. Perhaps we should have mandatory trash pick-up done by city and put bill on sewer bills as Columbia does. The cost per resident is drastically lower than our current method and the benefits are enormous. Pete Oetting: Jefferson City has a very good solid waste disposal system. It is a pay as you go user friendly system.