County reminds city residents: don’t use its recycling center

WASHINGTON — Washington County Supervisors have reiterated their support for Wemiga Waste Management’s operation of the Washington County Recycling Center, as well as its policy of only accepting trash and recyclables from rural residents.

The center does not allow use for people living in cities or neighboring counties, since those local governments don’t foot any of the bill for its operations. The city of Washington opted not to enter a $1,500 a year contract with the center in 2019, when officials said the service was unnecessary thanks to trash pickup services from Johnson County Refuse.

But Wemiga Waste Owner Lynn Whaley said its rural-users-only policy — and signs on the waste center’s entrance — hadn’t stopped city residents from trying to use the facility.

“We have seen an increase in non-rural Washington County residents requesting to bring items into the facility,” he said in a report to the Board of Supervisors on Tuesday. “If you do not live in rural Washington County, you cannot dispose of your regular household recyclables and garbage at this facility.”

Officials gave their blessing Tuesday morning for the waste center to advertise its rules of usage as “approved by the county Board of Supervisors.” Whaley said he hoped the attention in a public meeting would help keep people informed.

“I think it’s just a lack of knowledge, and you know how reading signs goes,” he said. “Unless I hand you a piece of paper, I put that in your hands … you’re going to drive right by.”

Comments: Kalen.McCain@southeastiowaunion.com