PIERRE, S.D. –The City of Pierre has purchased a new baler for its solid waste facility and will begin the installation process next week. The new equipment will replace the current baler that’s been in use for more than a decade.
“More than 20,000 tons of solid waste are processed by the city’s baler each year,” said John Childs, City Engineer. “After twelve years of operating at that level, our current baler is near the end of its useful life.”
The purchase and installation of the new baler will take about two months and cost the city about $825,000. A little over one-third of that cost is covered by a state grant. The remainder is financed through a state loan and existing city budget.
“Solid waste equipment isn’t the most illustrious subject, but a functioning baler is absolutely essential for efficient management and disposal of the solid waste produced in this community,” said Childs.
The baler compacts non-recycled solid waste and packages it in a manner that facilitates optimal utilization of landfill space.
Childs says that the replacement process should have little to no impact on residential solid waste operations.
“There are some very minor process changes that will happen at the baling facility during the baler replacement project. But from the customer standpoint, it will be business as usual,” said Childs.
Each year, Pierre’s solid waste facility bales and disposes of more than 20,000 tons of garbage. It serves as the central processor of solid waste for the Pierre area and provides a drop off point for rubble, yard waste, and recyclable materials. The baler facility is open Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. and from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Saturdays.
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