New waste collection bins’ debut

Council chambers take on an unusual look Monday as Jim Winterbottom, right, of Waste Connections, the contractor for solid waste disposal with the City of Hood River, presents to Hood River City Council Monday on a proposal for a set of substantial changes to waste collection service in the city. Currently, residents have the option to get weekly, bi-weekly, monthly or no (self-haul) service from Waste Connections, the city’s vendor for waste collection services. In the new system, residents would receive three roll-carts (the size of carts depends on current service level), one for garbage, one for recyclables and one for yard and kitchen debris. Yard and kitchen debris would be picked up weekly and converted to high quality compost that will be re-used locally. Garbage and recyclables would be picked up on alternate weeks. This higher level of service and the capital investment in roll-carts and special equipment would be paid for by a price increase of $7.25 per month for most ratepayers, according to Waste Connections. The carts will remain on display at City Hall for residents to inspect, and the city plans further outreach before making a decision. Program changes would take effect in spring 2017.