KALISPELL – Changes in procedures are helping reduce theft, vandalism, after-hours damage, and conflicts at green box refuse collection sites across Flathead County.
“Over the past couple of years, the County Solid Waste Department has addressed these concerns by installing cameras and razor wire around the perimeter of the green box sites,” Flathead County Commissioner Phil Mitchell said.
“We’ve also added an employee at most sites, to respond to questions about refuse material and to help keep the sites clean.”
Prior to the added security measures, individuals were routinely breaking in, vandalizing, and stealing recyclables and tools from the sheds.
“Our added security has already helped lower costs to taxpayers by reducing the number of calls to law enforcement and reducing the risk of identity theft when personal trash is left in green boxes overnight,” said Mitchell.
With an employee onsite helping to keep the sites clean, the amount of debris and garbage blown throughout the site and over the fence has significantly decreased.
Mitchell says that the employee additionally also helps with recycling which has allowed more recyclables separated, reducing the tons of refuse going to the landfill and increasing the recycling revenue for the District.
“While the commissioners realize the added security gives our green box sites a pretty sterile appearance, the savings to the taxpayers and the reduced risk to the County and individuals is significant,” Mtichell said in a news release.
“The commissioners thank our citizens for your suggestions and cooperation as we work to keep our green box sites safe and clean,” concluded Mitchell.
Click here to view the locations of the green box sites in Flathead County.
