Garbage education key to solving problem

On June 29, was a meeting at the Blue Lake Community Hall to discuss the closure of the dumpsters on Peninsula Road near the Green Owl Tavern. Illegal dumping is the cause behind the County's consideration of the removal of the entire dumpster site. The illegal dumping of furniture, large appliances, construction waste and non-household items. The County Waste Management said that dumping of none household items has become a financial problem and their solution is to close the Green Owl site as well as Wrenco Loop and Laclede sites.

Commissioner Orr and two representatives from Waste Management said there is a proposal for a manned site in Priest River on Eastside Road and Highway 2. There was much discussion on this but the consensus of residents was not to have the dumpsters taken until the manned site was in place whether in Priest River or another location in the Green Owl area.

There were many solutions proposed to the County but most important was the request to give people who had use of the dumpsters the opportunity to resolve the problems and not to act so quickly without concern for the impact on the community. Solutions like better signage, directions where to take none household items, security lighting, and time for the neighborhood to educate those doing the dumping.

Many suggested the dumping was being done by out of stators and contractors. Another suggestion was for Law Enforcement to help out with extra patrolling of the area and to cite violators. Another item discussed was the cost of trucking the trash to Oregon because Bonner County does not have a landfill. Items like newspaper, card board, glass and aluminum cans was one way the county can recoup some funds by recycling. A very good suggestion which I would like Waste Management and the Commissioners to investigate is the placement of recycling bins at the dump sites so citizens can help out by disposing of recyclable items in specific dumpsters saving the cost of hauling recyclable items and crating revenue which in turn would help to keep our property tax bill from increasing unnecessarily.

Most importantly was the request that this issue could be revised before any action is taken, especially without the residents of the area not having any input. I think this problem is very solvable with some patience on the part of the County. Also if this issue of illegal dumping could get some attention in the newspaper this could help to educate those who are dumping with the intent someone will come pick those items up and use them.

There are thrift stores in town that would take those items if they have value otherwise those none household items need to be taken to the Dickensheet dump site or the Idaho Hill dump site. Let's spread the word in the community so we can take care of this problem and not lose our dumpsters. This is a good opportunity for the county and the public to work together to solve this in a way that is beneficial to everyone.

Joseph Young

Priest River