The Sanitation Department announced it will be waiving fees for disposal of scrap metal for the next few weeks, ahead of a planned arrangement to remove salvageable scrap from the island next month.
Beginning last week at the recommendation of the Wrangell Assembly, the free disposal period will be running through November 11. People can bring their household scrap metal to the solid waste transfer station during that time without the usual disposal fee.
The decision follows news of a deal with Juneau-based salvaging firm Channel Construction, which will be bringing a barge to the island later next month. Earlier this summer the company had made a similar arrangement with the city to take its ferrous and other metallic scrap at no cost. In exchange, the city waived its usual compensation for recyclable materials. The deal benefits both parties, lowering the bottom line for transporting and repurposing said materials, and freeing up space at the city junkyard.
Any scrap metal brought to the transfer station for disposal during this free scrap metal session must be from a household source and free of all attached contaminants, such as wood, rubber, plastic and fabrics. To qualify as “scrap metal,” the item for recycling must contain a minimum of 85 percent metal.
Large household appliances will be accepted, but must be cleaned out and free of garbage. Washers and dryers, stoves and ranges, hot water tanks, microwaves, dishwashers and other white goods with metal housing apply. Fuel and propane tanks must be empty of all materials and a hole must be cut in the bottom to ensure they are empty.
Old autos are also covered under the arrangement, though all vehicles and small engines should be drained of all fluids by the customer beforehand, including all fuel, engine oil, antifreeze, transmission fluid and so forth. Batteries must be removed and will also be accepted for free. Tires must be removed as well, and will be accepted at the regular disposal fee of $3 apiece. The waste transfer station has drums available for customers to dispose of vehicular fluids at regular disposal fees. Ownership title for each vehicle must be presented at the time of disposal.
For more information about the free scrap metal session, or to discuss options for commercial operations’ scrap metal disposal, contact Wrangell Public Works at 874-3904.
Residents are encouraged to seize this opportunity to dispose of accumulated clutter, ahead of a “clean sweep” of public nuisances anticipated from city officials starting next spring. On public and private property both, municipal code proscribes the open storage of scrap, abandoned vehicles and other eyesores around the island.
At its last two meetings, the Assembly expressed its concern that local law was not being enforced, directing the city manager to make removal of such items a higher priority. While police are expected to put greater effort in removing abandoned vehicles and other items from public lots over the winter, starting in May private residences can also expect to see more rigorous enforcement of municipal code.
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