Fort Smith reviewing ‘pay as you throw’ trash costs
by July 9, 2012 1:08 pm 104 views
“Pay as you throw” is a system of solid waste collection currently under use by the Tulsa Department of Sanitation, and one that could be considered by Fort Smith.
At the June 19 Fort Smith Board of Directors meeting, City Director Pam Weber asked Baridi Nkokheli, director of the Fort Smith Department of Sanitation, to see if the program would be a good fit in the ongoing automated-versus-non-automated debate.
The Tulsa Sanitation website shows that “pay as you throw” rates for automated curbside collection, which go in effect Oct. 1, 2012, will run $15.52 per month for a 96-gallon container compared to the Fort Smith rate of $14.38.
Tulsa Sanitation, however, does make allowances for residents, who dispose of less waste, going down to $14.02 (curbside) per month for 64-gallon containers and $12.52 (curbside) for 32-gallon containers.
Tulsa also offers “backyard service,” which is defined as “up to 100 feet from the curb or travel portion of the road,” according to the city’s website.
These numbers are more expensive, running at monthly rates of $16.47 (32-gallon), $17.97 (64-gallon), and $19.47 (96-gallon).
“Extended backyard service” is yet another option offered in Tulsa, and that includes, “more than 100 feet from the curb or travel portion of the road.”
These numbers are even higher, running at monthly rates of $19.47 (32-gallon), $20.97 (64-gallon), and $22.47 (96-gallon).
Nkokheli said “those numbers do not reflect storm debris removal, yard waste, recycling, bulky items, or troubleshooter services, all of which cost extra, all of which are included in Fort Smith Sanitation’s $14.38 per month.”
The Tulsa Sanitation website confirms Nkokheli’s statement, noting that “green waste collection” is “50 cents per bag or bundle” and “bulk waste collection” is $5 per collection.
Nkokheli added that he expects to have a “manual-versus-automated rate differential calculated and delivered to the board by July 20,” showing how much more residents in non-automated areas of the city can expect to pay under a hybrid system.
He noted that his department is waiting for the end of the month for “a landfill rate review” that will encompass costs over a 12-month period and “provide a more firm number that we can then deliver to the board at the July 24 study session.”
The calculations were requested by City Director Philip Merry at the June 19 board meeting.