DPW set up green waste storage sites

The Department of Public Works has set up three storage sites for green waste such as tree branches to ensure a quicker cleanup following the onslaught of super typhoon Chaba.

DPW Solid Waste Division operations supervisor Blas Mafnas said these sites include an area near the Marpi landfill, Lower Base, and the old Puerto Rico dump.

He said people can bring green waste such as chopped branches and trunks for temporary storage.

He said the Lower Base Transfer Station uses a wood grinder, acquired through a grant from the Federal Emergency Management Agency, to dispose of green waste.

He said a bigger machine would soon arrive to grind bigger logs.

Meantime, he said that green waste sites had not been set up in Kagman and Koblerville areas primarily due to lack of personnel.

But he said that people from these areas could call up the department for assistance.

“We encourage them to separate the green waste from other waste. People need to be concerned of the environment,” he said.

He said those who would prefer to dispose of their green waste by themselves could resort to composting

He said the burning of some waste could be allowed provided it is permitted by the Division of Environmental Quality.

The Solid Waste Division waived its tipping fee for two weeks following Typhoon Chaba, allowing residents to bring typhoon debris to the Lower Base Solid Waste Transfer Station and the Marpi Landfill.

The DPW also opened the transfer station Monday through Saturday up to 6pm instead of 4:30pm.

The free garbage disposal was implemented until Sept. 4.

During the period, DPW also waived the weekly 500-lbs. limit for solid wastes from local residents.

It allowed residential haulers to come to the Lower Base refuse transfer station and Marpi landfill as many as three times a day without being assessed the 500-lbs.-per-week limit.

DPW, as is the case now, normally accepts only up to 500 lbs. of solid waste each week from residents. Residential haulers that exceed the 500-lbs. limit are charged $25 per ton for the entire volume of regular solid waste brought in. Special waste such as tires and dead animals are assessed a fee of $35 per ton.

DPW said it decided to lift the restrictions to ensure easy recovery efforts from the typhoon.

Mafnas said residents can inquire about solid waste disposal by calling 322-2745.