The Solid Waste Agency of Northwest Nebraska (SWANN) has recently begun addressing a longstanding issue by implementing an “Out-of-Service” signage program for household and green compost dumpsters. Essentially, the program is designed to help people be more knowledgeable about which items are acceptable and unacceptable for dumpsters with bright and clearly labeled signs on the front of dumpsters.
SWANN’s Executive Director, Jake Stewart, says this is especially important in the warm summer months when collection and temperatures are at their yearly high.
Overly large and heavy items or tree branches inappropriately found in dumpsters by Collection Drivers and Community Site Operators will result in a notice clearly categorizing the items that need to be removed before collection.
Examples of items improperly disposed of:
Overloaded Dumpsters
Overloaded Dumpsters
When talking specifically about green dumpsters- grass and leaves only, means grass and leaves only. But Jake Stewart says that it comes down to one simple factor when deciding what to put into the compost bin.
Along with public knowledge and awareness, the Out-of-Service program is also meant to encourage leadership and guidance within communities as a friendly way of holding each other accountable.
These neighborhood “watch programs” also ease the burdens of city officials and street workers who are not responsible for cleaning out dumpsters. SWANN says it is the duty of residents on a block by block basis.
For Residents who contact City offices, please let them know they can contact SWANN 308-432-4245 at any time for clarification on what is happening with their local dumpsters. You can also direct these residents to place their large and heavy items to the appropriate location at their nearest community site.
Stewart says that you can also visit SWANN’s website, swannsites.com, for reference and information.
The Out-of-Service program has been successfully used from Harrison to Gordon and SWANN thanks everyone for their cooperation and passing the word along to help street employees.