More than 115 tons of trash has been kept out of Summit County’s landfill since dump officials began sorting materials on site.
“The drop-off facility is working and it’s working in a big-time way,” Summit County spokesman Cliff Blonquist said.
In the first 21 days, old tires weighing about 18 tons were recycled, according to Blonquist.
Thirty-nine tons of metal was recycled, Blonquist said, adding that 58 tons of material such as wood, plastic, carpet and mattresses were taken from Wanship to a Morgan County cement plant where it is burned as alternative fuel.
Of 185 tons of material received at the site about 115 tons was stopped from entering the landfill near Rockport reservoir, Blonquist said.
He anticipates recycling efforts in Summit County will keep 1,488 tons of trash out of the landfill this year.
“This is based on receiving 200 tons per months at a 62 percent diversion rate,” Blonquist added.
Meanwhile, small-business owners in Summit County can dispose of hazardous materials for free at Three Mile Canyon landfill near Rockport Sept. 22 from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Contact Summit County Public Works at 615-3970 for more information about the event.