Serving Whitman County since 1877
Serving Whitman County since 1877
Palouse city council June 12 endorsed efforts to bring a cardboard and mixed paper recycling bin to Palouse as a fund raising project for Little Sprouts Childcare.
Jens Hegg, president of Little Sprouts, and Dana Anderson, vice president, asked the council for their support and possibly a site for the 40-cubic yard bin.
“I think the council is supportive,” said Mayor Michael Echanove. “Everyone would really like to work with you to make things happen.”
He said the city will check with Public Works Superintendent Dwayne Griffin to locate a possible site for the center.
Anderson and Hegg indicated that Little Sprouts will take care of the recurring fundraising operation by monitoring the drop-off area.
The group began the effort by surveying downtown businesses and collecting 170 signatures on a petition which they posted at Little Sprouts and at McLeod’s Palouse Market.
At the council meeting, members discussed possible spots, such as by the railroad tracks, near the police station, in the open next to the community center, and across from the St. Elmo’s building.
At the school next to school dumpsters was also brought up.
“I like the idea, it’s just finding a spot,” said councilman Cecil Floyd.
Councilwoman Connie Newman noted the amount of signatures Anderson and Hegg gathered, while asking if the signers all realize the bin wouldn’t include glass and aluminum.
“I still think this is a fantastic idea,” she said.
Hegg indicated that if the cardboard and mixed paper recycling turns a positive result, Empire Disposal would offer more options, such as aluminum and glass recycling.
“I think it’s a great idea,” said Councilman Tim Jones. “But when it comes down to it, you gotta make darn sure people know what can and can’t be put in there.”
He referred to the wood chipper program, which was discontinued earlier this year due to misuse.
Mayor Echanove asked about liability insurance. Anderson said that Judi Dunn-Gray at Whitman County Public Works hadn’t mentioned anything about insurance. Dunn-Gray is the Recycling and Waste Reduction Coordinator for Whitman County.
“So what you’re asking from us is a location,” said Echanove.
Councilman Bo Ossinger said he believed the location should be closer to the downtown area.
“My preference would be the site you mentioned on Spokane Avenue,” said Councilman Rick Wekenman of a level gravel spot on the way out of town towards Pullman.
Newman brought up a concern that if businesses don’t use it, it might not get used enough.
“I’m just cautioning,” she said.
Anderson said that Dunn-Gray offered to come to town and do recycling education.
Garth Meyer is a former Whitman County Gazette reporter.
Reader Comments(0)