Special to The Elmore Autauga News
The City of Wetumpka/Elmore County Collection Facility continues to serve the people of the area. The facility, located on Red Eagle Drive in Wetumpka, has new operating times. An attendant will be present at the facility to ensure disposal of items are properly executed. The facility will be open three days per week as follows: Tuesday, 7 a.m. to 3 p.m.; Thursday, 7 a.m. to 3 p.m., and Saturday 7 a.m. to 12 p.m.
No items shall be disposed of at or around the facility during non-operational hours, and the attendant is also not in place to assist with loading and/ or unloading items.
With the great interest in the County/City Collection Facility, we also would like to clarify rules for use of the collection facility. These rules are in place in order for residents (who are currently paying residential curbside customers) to retain access to this free service. Individuals not adhering to these rules will be subject to prosecution:
1. All citizens utilizing the facility should practice CDC recommended practices related to COVID-19 or may be asked to exit the facility;
2. The collection facility is not intended for contractors as the facility is designed for residents to dispose of items larger in size or quantity than their normal residential containers can accommodate. All demolition materials and woody debris must not be longer than four feet long;
3. The site is not to be used for household garbage. Anyone disposing of household garbage at this facility will be prosecuted for illegal dumping;
4. Items that will not be accepted include appliances, batteries, paints or thinners, oils and gases;
5. Any items that are not considered trash (e.g. clothing, unwanted/ gently used items, and gently used furniture) should be donated to a local donation center. Local donation centers in this area are the Elmore County Humane Shelter Thrift Store, the Adullam House Thrift Store, and Goodwill;
6. Citizens will have opportunities to dispose of items that can be recycled. Cardboard, paper, aluminum and plastics will be the recyclable materials being segregated. All cardboard boxes must be flattened before being placed in the roll-off containers and/ or bin as this saves on space. Separate areas for metals, mattresses, tires and woody debris/ yard waste as well as construction type materials (lumber, etc) are designated by signage. Please keep in mind these type items should be less than 4 feet in length. The public is strongly encouraged to pay attention to the signage at the facility. Signs are placed to show where specific items are to be disposed.
County officials have suggested that up to two more facilities could be planned if the current facility is a success. The development of the CF is one element of a comprehensive strategy to combat litter in Elmore County.
“We have had challenges with the facility but we are proud to say it is a success. We had plenty of traffic in the early days of the facility since so many people were at home and cleaning out their house,” Elmore County District Four Commissioner Bart Mercer said. “On a long-term basis this will be a tremendous service for the citizens.”
Anyone with specific questions about the collection facility can send questions to trash@elmorco.org.
