Although it is only in the early conceptual stages, initial discussions began Monday night about a possible composting program operated by the city of Hermiston.
During a work session, the Hermiston City Council heard from Parks and Recreation Director Larry Fetter about his idea for establishing a composting program in which wood chips and other compost produced by the city could be made available to residents for free – at least initially until more demand for the compost arises.
The program would also help reduce costs to the city. Fetter said his department spends about $2,000 a year on wood chips spread throughout the city parks.
“I buy truckloads of wood chips for our parks system,” Fetter told the council. “This would supplement that.” He added that the parks could use more wood chips if they were readily available through a city composting program.
The program would also allow residents to bring in yard debris that would then be turned into compost. Currently, residents can drop off yard debris at the Sanitary Disposal on Highway 395. That debris, however, is not turned into compost, but taken to the landfill with the rest of the garbage.
Fetter said the program, which he suggested might be located near the wastewater treatment facility, could be made available to the public two days a week.
Councilor Jackie Myers asked if there were any businesses in town that already offered that service.
“We don’t want to step on any toes,” she said. Fetter said he was unaware of any businesses that provided composting services for residents.
Mayor Dave Drotzmann said he would like to see more information on the program before moving forward.
“The big unknown is the cost to the city,” he said.
Fetter said he would continue to look into the feasibility of such a program and report back to the council.
