COLLECTION STATION SPRING CLEANING EVENT HEADACHES

  

Sometimes, being too popular can become a big headache.  That is what has happened to the annual Spring Cleaning Event at the Citizens Collection Station.  Brenham Director of Public Works Dane Rau told the Washington County Commissioners today (Tuesday) during a workshop session, that the annual event has gotten out of hand.  The Spring Cleaning Event allows city and county residents to bring in bulk trash items for free.  He said that last year, it took the collection station 6 to 8 weeks to get caught up after the event.  Rau said the biggest problem is that residents are now hanging onto refuse all year long to take advantage of the free disposal.  Rau said he is working with County Environmental Health Director Mark Marzahn to come up with a solution.  Three options are being considered: making only the first 500 lbs. of refuse free, charging half price for disposal, or mailing out vouchers for free disposal during the event.  Commissioners indicated that making only the first 500 lbs. free looked like a good option, and that they want to keep the program going to encourage residents to properly dispose of bulky items.