A free drop-off program for large trash items the City of Manteca offered that was stopped abruptly after two weeks could be reinstituted as early as next week.
Assistant City Manager Lisa Blackmon said the solid waste division stopped the temporary service deployed to discourage illegal dumping after the Lovelace Transfer station north of Manteca was closed to the general public by county officials due to COVID-19 concerns after significant abuses occurred.
The biggest problems were people that were non-Manteca residents taking advantage of the service and city employees interacting with the public that failed to bring people with them capable of unloading trash.
Blackmon said the solid waste division has devised protocols for implementation that will be reviewed by City Manager Miranda Lutzow and appropriate staff in a bid to restart the service.
Blackmon said besides discouraging illegal dumping the city understood a lot of people staying at home are doing spring cleaning that often can reduce fire hazards and other issues.
Given city ratepayers are covering the cost for handling, transporting, and paying tipping fees non-residents can’t use the service.
There likely will be some requirement such as having to produce a municipal water bill to prove city residency. Staff may also be assigned that are in appropriate gear that the pandemic response is requiring to assure safety.
Location as well as the days and hours the service will be reinstated are expected to be announced next week.
The city is still distributing 2-yard bins to household customers during the pandemic providing they haven’t already taken advantage this year of the one annual free drop-off. Larger bins are also available for rent by going online. They are dropped on one day and then picked up the next work day.
If you have questions, contact the Solid Waste Division at (209) 456-8440.
To contact Dennis Wyatt, email dwyatt@mantecabulletin.com