The University of Idaho recently implemented a new tow unit and compactor system for dealing with municipal solid waste — everyday items disposed by the public — and has managed to save more than $52,000 as a result.
UI Facilities Director for Landscape and Exterior Services Charles Zillinger said the university borrowed $164,000 in 2012 from an internal loan fund to purchase and install the new system. The purchase included an additional municipal solid waste compactor on top of the one already owned by the university and 60 toters (the brown dumpsters on wheels that can be seen around campus). The money was also used to get the program started.
Zillinger said the savings from the project have allowed Facilities to hire a new staff member. He said the university actually saved more than $97,000, but used $45,000 to make the first of three payments to repay the money borrowed for the project.
“Your idea actually has to be to payback the amount borrowed,” Zillinger said.
He said the new system is a step up from the blue stationary dumpsters that were previously used. Zillinger said the new toters are able to be towed by vehicles like a Ford Ranger and carry a maximum of 1,200 pounds. This is beneficial because heavy dump trucks are not seen in the core of campus, which helps reduce street damage.
Despite the improvements, Zillinger’s department still has to deal with the disposal of “unacceptable waste,” which includes any hazardous or infectious materials. These include blood, body wastes, paints, spray cans, liquids, toxic substances, pesticides, oils and chemicals. Other unacceptable waste includes furniture, metals, electronic waste, wood and construction debris. Zillinger said there are different methods to deal with these different kinds of garbage, but they don’t belong in the municipal solid waste toters.
Zillinger said the frequency of the problem has steadily declined over time. The university does have the ability to take care of things like furniture, but only if it is disposed in the proper ways. Zillinger recently sent out an article reminding the university community to pay attention to what they put in the toters.
“As long as we stick to that municipal solid waste then it’s a win for everybody,” Zillinger said.
Erik Fink can be reached at [email protected]