MARINETTE — It may cost more for Marinette residents to dispose of certain items in the city dump.
The Board of Public Works voted unanimously on Tuesday to recommend increased rates to the Common Council. Director of Public Works Brian Miller submitted a plan labeled “City Dump Junk Operations” and he spoke about the quandary the city faces regarding the dump, 2411 Cleveland Ave.
“The last time the board recommended an increase to the city dump, it was a modest increase,” he said.
The last hikes in 2022 raised the fee from $5 to $10 for a vehicle load of junk and $10 for any size trailer, Miller said.
“After looking at the operating expenses and the revenues received from our fees, we’re still operating in a fairly significant deficit and I wanted to bring it to your attention for consideration and possible suggested recommendations,” he said.
The dump had a net operating loss of $67,734, in 2019. The net operating loss was $55,189 in 2022. He didn’t present figures for the COVID years (2020 and 2021).
Miller’s proposal includes the following recommendations:
• Charge $3 for each 33-gallon bag of trash, if not included with other mixed waste.
• Charge $20 for each vehicle loaded with mixed waste.
• Charge $20 for each trailer loaded with mixed waste
• Charge $20 for each large item, even if the large items are mingled among mixed waste (Large item examples: Bed, mattress, couch, recliner).
• Do not allow dump trailers or box vans in the dump. (The committee agreed to allow box vans for large items only.)
• Require dump users to renew their dump card each year.
Miller presented examples of “typical” trailer loads and “mega” trailer loads. While both cost residents $10, it cost the city about $30 to get rid of a typical load and $71 to get rid of a megaload, Miller said.
Megaloads “are very large, very heavy and very costly to dispose of at Waste Management,” he said.
For example, a typical load contained items such as small tables, boxes and a cooler and it weighed 360 pounds (.18 of a ton), while the megaload contained items such as a couch, easy chair and mattress and it weighed 860 pounds (.43 of a ton).
The proposed elimination of the dump trailers and box vans yielded the most discussion.
“Prohibiting those two types of vehicle from coming in will help reduce the large megaloads, which costs the city a lot of money,” Miller said.
Alderman Ken Keller agreed.
“Some of these dump trailers are five pickup loads,” he said.
Some committee members asked if a resident could rent a box van (like a U-haul) for disposing of a couple of large items. The panel agreed box vans would be permitted to dispose of large items.
Superintendent of Public Works Pat Carlson said he would make sure city dump workers are aware of the changes.
“I would address it to the workers, so they can ask the people what they have in the vans and we will charge you accordingly,” he said.
The plan still allows residents a place to dispose of junk, said Alderman Rick Polzin.
“If it was me, I’m trying to get rid of stuff,” he said. “I’ve got options. I would rather pay more to get rid of it than not have any place to go with it.”
The proposal is worth a shot, Polzin said.
“I’m OK with this for now,” he said. “If it creates problems down the road — we find more junk in the alleys and other places — then we might have to address this.”
Miller said he would like to implement the changes by Jan. 1 following council approval.
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