Solid Waste

Responsibilities

The Solid Waste Department is responsible for providing the City of Valdez with once per week residential and commercial refuse collection, as well as daily operation of the Baler Facility, Recycling Program, and Environmental Operations Station for the collection, separation, and disposal of household hazardous waste. Paint and used oil is also collected at the Baler Facility for proper disposal. Used oil is a source of fuel and is burned in used oil burners throughout the city.

Purpose

The department's main concern is the proper disposal of unwanted materials and trash in the community. A variety of services are provided to the public, most free of charge, in order to encourage a cooperative effort between the community and the city to keep Valdez clean and safe.

Staff

This department has six full-time employees, two collection operators, and three baler / landfill operators. Two of the three baler operators are certified SWANA - Managers of Landfill Operations (MOLO).

Landfill

The landfill in Valdez is comprised of three areas:

• Balefill
• Construction and demolition pit
• Area for brush, stumps, and logs

All areas must be permitted and kept in compliance with the Alaska Department of Environmental Conservation.