By Kevin Hanson-The Courier-Herald
About 30 tons of cardboard is dropped off each month in the commercial-sized bins at the end of Garrett Street, which give area businesses and private citizens a convenient place to get rid of the unwanted product.
That luxury is about to end.
Citing cost factors, along with other readily-available options for cardboard disposal, members of the Enumclaw City Council have pulled the plug on the cardboard operation that sits adjacent to the BMX track.
Public Works Director Chris Searcy said the unmanned facility would remain open until mid-January, providing a service for those getting rid of their holiday waste.
The fate of the cardboard station was brought up during a recent City Council meeting, where it was noted the council's Public Works Committee was recommending the facility be closed. Searcy told council members the station is a “high maintenance” operation, adding “there's an easy, no-cost alternative.”
Swaying the council's decision was the fact that anyone can dump cardboard, free of charge, at the King County-operated transfer station just a short distance away on Battersby Avenue. Also, with the recent switch to all-in-one curbside recycling throughout the city, most also have the option of getting rid of cardboard just outside their doorstep.
Searcy admits the cardboard station has been a popular item since it opened more than seven years ago. Presently, about 17 bins get filled and hauled away each month by Waste Management, he said.
The down side is it costs the city about $20,000 annually to provide the service, Searcy said.
“Let's realize there are some tough decisions to make,” said Councilman Jeff Coats, noting his support for closing the facility. With that, Council Jeff Beckwith offered a motion to terminate the city service, a proposal that was supported unanimously.
Kevin Hanson can be reached at khanson@courierherald.com.
