This time of year means two things to Barton County Solid Waste Director Phil Hathcock – the lion-like winds that usher in spring and the increased traffic from stir-crazy residents doing their spring cleaning.

“This is a busy time of year at Barton County Landfill,” Hathcock said.

“Historically winds are high during the spring season,” he said. The Barton County Commission passed a resolution that closes the landfill if the wind speed is sustained at or above 30 miles per hour, or gusting over 35 mph.  

“This resolution was passed to prevent blowing litter from the landfill, and to help it be a good neighbor,” Hathcock said.  When it is a windy day, Hathcock advised calling ahead to make sure the landfill is open. “If we have closed due to the wind, you will not be able to dump your waste.”

A time to clean

• “Saturday can be a busy day at the landfill with many residential customers bringing the results of their spring cleaning,” Hathcock said. “Please be patient with landfill operators and follow their instructions on where to dump your waste.”

If a customer needs help unloading, the operators will be happy to assist, he said. They just have to let the scale clerk know when weighing in.

• Barton County Landfill recycles electronic waste free of charge to Barton County residents, Hathcock said. The scale clerk will direct patrons where to place the electronic items.  

•Also, the landfill recycles bicycles through Ellsworth Correctional Facility where the bikes are refurbished and given to kids that would otherwise not be able to have a bicycle.

• In another popular service, the household-hazardous-waste program begins monthly collection days from 8 a.m. to noon on April 15 at the landfill. Scheduled collections will run through October on the third Saturday of the month.  

“Call ahead to the landfill for an appointment if you can’t make the regularly scheduled collections and we will try to accommodate your schedule,” Hathcock said. 

More weather issues

“Spring is also a time of year when the area can receive a lot of rain as compared to the rest of the year,” the director said. The landfill can become muddy in certain areas, and certain areas could be closed.  

“Please be aware that is not feasible to build asphalt roads throughout the landfill, therefore we have to deal with some mud on occasion,” he said. Landfill operators will place rock to areas that need to be accessed, however customers may have to back in to a location to dump their waste.  

“Call ahead to the landfill if it has rained and you are not comfortable driving in muddy conditions,” he said. “Landfill staff members are always willing to help the customer, all you have to do is let us know.”