By MIKE COURSON
Great Bend Post
Very few items and services have gotten cheaper in recent years. The Barton County Landfill contracts with Beloit's Champlin Tire Recycling to dispose of and recycle tires. As Champlin is set to raise its rates, Barton County's Solid Waste Director Jennifer Hamby asked the commission for an increase in local disposal rates during Wednesday's meeting.
"The landfill currently charges customers a per-tire rate based on the size of the rim," Hamby told the commission. "Due to a major increase in disposal costs of waste tires, we feel it's necessary to increase the tire rates to compensate for the disposal fees."
Champlin's increased rate of $236 per ton will take effect in March 2023. Barton County currently charges $213 per ton to dispose of tires. Hamby suggested a new rate of 12 cents per pound, or $240 per ton, for disposal at the landfill. That fee would apply only to heavy machinery tires, or those disposing of more than four tires. The landfill will charge $3.50 per tire, up to four tires, for passenger cars and lightweight trucks. Those changes will take effect on Jan. 1, 2023.
Champlin turns the used tires into rubber mulch for playgrounds, or combines the rubber with recycled plastic to make picnic tables and benches.