WLKM Radio 95.9 FM
St. Joseph County officials agreed to renew a contract with Kalamazoo County for year-round disposal of household hazardous waste.
During their monthly board meeting Dec. 19, commissioners OK’d a proposal to continue the arrangement that started in May.
County administrator Teresa Doehring said the service is provided to St. Joseph County residents and allows for drop-off of hard-to-dispose-of items such as electronics, automotive products, pesticides and herbicides, fuels, fire extinguishers, light bulbs, items containing mercury, household cleaners and paint. A complete list is available through a link at: kalcounty.com.
The agreement with Kalamazoo County costs St. Joseph County $5,000 a year and allows St. Joseph County residents to drop off at no charge applicable items at the year-round collection site, located adjacent to Kalamazoo County Fairgrounds.
Doehring said 10 St. Joseph County households took advantage of the opportunity over the course of the past eight months.
How is $5,000 for 10 families cost-effective use of tax dollars? That’s $500 per family! And they had to drive the “hazardous” waste to Kalamazoo? Why not have monthly pickups at the St Joe County fairgrounds?