Jackson votes to put limits on residents' waste disposal

JACKSON, Mo. -- A new program aimed at curbing Jackson's costs for collecting garbage will go into effect July 1, about the same time construction will begin on a water main project designed to dramatically increase water flow and pressure on the south side of town.

The new trash collection system passed by the Jackson Board of Aldermen Monday night will limit residents to three 33-gallon bags a week.

Jackson in the past has allowed residents to put out an unlimited number of trash bags or trash containers. Portable plastic, metal, rubber or fiberglass cans will be prohibited under the new program.

Jackson's trash collection system, which costs about $500,000 annually to operate, is paid for through a 1-cent sales tax passed in 1974.

Jackson residents pay no monthly fee, and that will not change.

In another change, weekly curbside collection of yard waste will be reduced to every other week.

Yard waste can be delivered to the city recycling center at any time.

Called the 3 For Free Program, the new system is intended to cut down on the $150,000 annual transfer-station tipping fees the city pays and to promote recycling.

The program also will end the abuse of the city's free and unlimited system, which made it possible for people who live outside the city limits to drop off their trash at Jackson residents' houses.

Mayor Paul Sander said the new system isn't perfect and will continue to be appraised.

"It has not solved all our problems," Sander said, "but it's a step in the right direction."

Sander noted that the percentage of the sales tax that goes toward trash collection remains the same in 2002 as it was in 1974.

Other business

In other business Monday, the board approved a contract with Monroe Plumbing & Heating Inc. of Cape Girardeau for $292.922.76 to pay for a water main to be laid in the south part of the city from Highway 25 west to the intersection of County Road 330 and Route PP. The 10-inch and 12-inch lines will form a loop that will substantially increase water pressure and flow in the area.

The contractor is expected to begin work in three weeks to a month and will complete the project within 180 days, city engineer Dan Triller said.

sblackwell@semissourian.com

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