Observer Report: PEORIA CITY COUNTY LANDFILL COMMITTEE

April 19, 2017-  The first City County Landfill Committee meeting chaired by County Board member Steve Morris was on March 15th. Mr Morris's appointment was announced at the February meeting. Past chairman Les Bergsten continues his many years of service with the committee as an appointed citizen member. Sharon Williams is on Landfill Committee to replace County Board member Lynn Scott Pearson who did not run for re-election to the County Board.
Discussion continued on issues regarding free residential pick-up truck size loads of trash that are brought to the landfill. This topic began several months ago when Mr. Morris raised concern about a resident who phoned him saying they were charged an excessive amount for discarding a couch. ​

​Landfill management reported on further researching their records and finding that less than 2% of citizen pick-up loads are charged a fee and that typically bringing just a couch would not result in a fee. There are instances when the gate is very busy or it could be possible an error occurred resulting in the cost. A fee does get applied when the load is a ton or more. A $5. fee is assessed if a citizen brings in more than one pick-up load a week. It was pointed out that the number of free pick-up loads has gone up over the years, while county population has not.

​About 15,000 citizen pick-up loads of trash were received at the landfill. It is unusual for a landfill to provide free loads to local residents year-round. The comment was made that many citizens may not realize bulky items can be picked up at the curb by phoning the garbage hauler ahead of time. Citizens can phone the County Recycling Office for more information on options.
                                                                                                            – Joyce Blumenshine, Observer