Fee increase proposed for green-waste collection in Fruit Heights

FRUIT HEIGHTS — The Wasatch Integrated Waste Management District is proposing a $2-per-can fee increase for Fruit Heights residents who will participate in a pilot program for collecting yard waste this year.

Because the district is proposing a fee increase, it must hold a public hearing, said Nathan Rich, the district's chief executive officer and executive director.

The public hearing is set for 6 p.m. June 3 at the district's office, 1997 E. 3500 North, in Layton.

The district's $2 fee increase will be part of the total $6 increase planned for residents who receive a green-waste recycling can. The district handles garbage that is collected throughout Davis County,

Fruit Heights was selected to be part of the program because of the high number — 55 percent — of homes that currently have two garbage cans.

The theory is that many residents use the second can to throw away yard waste, grass clippings and other vegetable waste that could be recycled at the district's landfill in Layton, composted and sold to the public.

Fruit Heights recently sent postcards to area residents asking if they would participate in the program.

Fruit Heights Mayor Todd Stevenson said 600 cards were returned. About half of the card-senders wanted the green-waste can, and half didn't. But the 700 cards that weren't returned will be counted as wanting the can. That's 1,000 homes.

In an earlier City Council meeting, council members learned that 800 homes were needed to make the pilot program cost-effective.

Stevenson said he's cautiously optimistic the pilot program will move forward.

City officials plan to meet with Rich on Tuesday for further discussions.

"We're getting real close," Rich said. "We'd still like to implement it this year."

If the pilot program is successful, it could be implemented in other cities in the district, which includes Morgan and Davis counties, except Bountiful.

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