When someone dumped processed lumber and construction trash at the City of Great Bend’s compost site over the weekend, staff got a license number and turned the matter over to the police. The event prompted the City to issue a news release Monday to advise the public as to the proper usage of the compost site.
Great Bend’s compost site is permitted by the Kansas Department of Health and Environment, and as such the permit allows it to only take trees, tree limbs, grasses, and leaves.
Director of Public Works Jason Cauley confirmed that as of late, the site has received material outside of its permit. In the past, that has even included “dogs, cats, all kinds of animals,” he told the Great Bend Tribune.
According to the statement issued by the City, the site CANNOT accept construction material, any processed lumber or yard timbers, tires, household trash or any additional materials that are outside of the permitted use.
The Kansas Department of Health and Environment makes inspections of the site and can fine or revoke the City’s permit for violations.
In addition to the KDHE permitted use, the City of Great Bend has an ordinance that prohibits the dumping of materials at the compost site with fines associated with the violation.
When a violation of permitted use occurs, any and all information is turned over to the Great Bend Police Department, as happened last weekend.
“We encourage everyone that uses the compost site to do so in accordance with our usage permit to allow us to continue to provide this service to the community,” the news release stated. “If there is a violation that you see, please contact either Jenna Pitchford, Street Superintendent, or Tony Bronson, Street Supervisor, at 620-793-4150.
For any additional questions or concerns, the public is advised to contact Cauley at 620-793-4150.
About the Compost Site
The site is located at 97 SW 5th Avenue in Great Bend and is open 24 hours a day, seven days a week. It has an area for grass, leaves, and other yard waste such as small plants. The site also has an area for limbs and branches, which should not exceed 8 feet in length and 6 inches in diameter.
Free compost is available. Bring your own containers and load your own.
