Recently, the town of Silverton made significant changes to how trash is managed, sparking a heated debate among local restaurant owners, residents, and visitors.
The town removed a free “camp dumper” trash can near the wilderness entrance, and it has since made other adjustments to trash collection, including bearproofing trash cans around town.
However, this has led to a rise in littering, especially near businesses, and concerns over the new trash can system’s effectiveness. Restaurant owners are especially frustrated, with one in particular calling for a solution that keeps the town clean without causing inconvenience for businesses and visitors.
Changes to Trash Accessibility in Silverton
Silverton made an effort to improve its trash management system by removing the free “camp dumper” located outside of town. This location was previously a convenient spot for campers to dispose of waste while visiting the wilderness area.
The town hoped that by removing this dumpster, it could prevent wildlife, particularly bears, from being attracted to trash. Additionally, the town aimed to save on the cost of maintaining the dumpster, which had been a significant drain on the budget.
However, the removal of this popular waste disposal option has led to some issues. The town also decided to implement bearproof trash cans throughout the town, which has changed the way people dispose of trash. These changes have not been well received by everyone, especially local restaurant owners.
Reactions from Local Business Owners
Molly Noel-Barela, the owner of Golden Block Brewery, has voiced her frustration with the new trash collection system. She explained that in the past, her block had four trash cans, but now there are only two, and none are located directly outside her business.
This has led to people littering in front of her brewery and even bringing trash inside her restaurant. She also mentioned that customers are struggling to figure out how to use the new bearproof trash cans, which are difficult to open.
While she supports the idea of having bearproof trash cans to protect wildlife, Noel-Barela feels that the new design has made it harder for people to dispose of trash properly. She worries that these changes could make Silverton less attractive to visitors, affecting the town’s tourism-based economy.
The Town’s Perspective and Efforts
Mayor Dayna Kranker responded to these concerns by clarifying that the town had not reduced the number of trash cans in Silverton, but rather moved them to different locations, such as street corners and near popular walking trails.
She explained that the goal of the new placement is to encourage people to walk a little more and shop at different stores while discarding their trash.
The mayor also emphasized that the removal of the “camp dumper” was a necessary step to prevent wildlife issues. Last year, a bear was harmed after being attracted to overflowing trash, which highlighted the dangers of improperly managed waste.
The dumpster had also been used for inappropriate items like furniture, which further complicated waste disposal. Removing the dumpster has saved the town around $18,000 per year, which can be put toward other important services.
The Way Forward
Despite the changes, the town has acknowledged the feedback from locals like Noel-Barela and is open to finding solutions that work for everyone.
The mayor is encouraging residents to provide input and participate in discussions about the best way to handle trash management in the future.
Noel-Barela has suggested that business owners take more responsibility for their own waste, possibly by placing trash cans in front of their businesses.
However, she also argued that if businesses are expected to do this, there should be financial support, such as a reduction in bills to cover the additional costs.
In the meantime, Silverton continues to deal with the challenge of balancing waste management with the need to protect the local wildlife and maintain a clean, attractive town.
The changes in Silverton’s trash management system have sparked a lot of debate among residents, business owners, and visitors. While the town’s efforts to protect wildlife and reduce waste overflow are important, these changes have raised concerns about littering and the difficulty of using the new bearproof trash cans.
As the town looks for a middle ground, local businesses are advocating for solutions that will keep the town clean and convenient for both residents and tourists. It is clear that finding a sustainable waste disposal solution is crucial for Silverton’s future, especially with its tourism-driven economy.