In sending my letter to my area elected officials (and candidates), I have had intriguing responses from two candidates (mayoral candidate Jack Wilson and city council candidate Alan Dubiel) as well as some phone tag with Councilman Luzius and a referral by Councilman Bob Bell to Chad McDowell, Field Operations Manager at Prescott’s solid waste facility.

I had a terrific conversation with Chad, in which he referenced many of the city’s goals regarding hazardous waste and brush management. Chad suggests that we keep the cards and letters flowing to the city officials, since he says they are incredibly customer responsive.

He would like to see the county partner with the city on solutions for these issues, but it sounds like whether or not Yavapai County does get involved, or any of the other area municipalities, for that matter, Prescott is actively looking for solutions and seeking grant sources to make them happen.

Chad said, as well, that anyone with questions about how to safely dispose of hazardous waste is welcome to contact his department at 928-777-1116 or 928-777-1126, or feel free to email: chad.mcdowell@cityofprescott.net.

Finally, Chad says he’s looking around for viable city-wide composting operations in regions having similar tree and brush species as are found here. He says that some of what grows here creates problems in composting and even in use of the chips generated from chipping of these particular trees and shrubs. Please contact him if you have knowledge of programs that work in other cities.

What do you think we can do beyond talking about this? Or, is spreading the word about this topic of discussion, hoping others will weigh in, a good route to take?

While bins for glass disposal were available to Prescott area residents, many people sorted out glass and dutifully dropped it into the bins. Now, the only way those of us who live in or near the City of Prescott can conscientiously dispose of glass to make the trek out to Sundog Ranch Road.

The City of Prescott seems to take the lead in demonstrating indifference to the environmental heritage of our children and grandchildren.

“Katie,
The City of Prescott has been sponsoring a Hazardous Waste disposal day
once a year at the Sundog site. However, it is now scheduled to every
two years (when I asked Bob Luzius). Given the volume of hazardous wastes,
including the ones you mentioned, I think we should do this on an annual
basis so people can plan for it.”

I replied to Jack:

“Dear Jack,

Thank you for your response.

I agree that every other year is insufficient. I would “hazard” a guess (sorry, bad pun) that the once/year event may not have been taken advantage of by many folks for this reason: Even if they know better, I suppose that many citizens prefer to toss their hazardous items in with their regular trash rather than holding onto those items for a once a year or every-other-year disposal opportunity.

Sounds like a need for greater public awareness.

Thank you again and good luck.”