LINTON CITY SERVICES: Rain, shine, hot or cold, city picks up trash

By Jo Chiparo Tim Turpen is the supervisor of Linton's sanitation and street department. [Order this photo]

When Linton residents place their garbage at the curb, it is taken for granted that it will be picked up when the city truck rolls by.

"Whether it is rain, shine, hot or cold, it is a service provided to homeowners," noted Tim Turpen, supervisor of Linton's sanitation and street department. "It is also a self-supporting service."

With the billing for trash posted on the monthly utility statement, Turpen said the sanitation department is able to buy trucks, fuel, pay dump bills and salaries.

Three sanitation employees, a driver and two on the back of the truck, cover two routes in Linton each week. Each resident is allowed four-30 gallon bags at each pickup.

Turpen said service is also provided to commercial businesses.

Businesses can rent a six or an eight-yard dumpster at a monthly rate. The price is rated by the size of the dumpster and number of pickups a week. He noted that that service is self supporting also.

After garbage is collected, each week, it is taken to a landfill in Terre Haute.

Dave Shaw, who is the driver on the truck route, encourages residents to not put grass clippings and leaves in the trash.

"It (grass clippings and leaves) adds too much weight to the garbage," Shaw explained. "We pay by weight (at the landfill), so in the long run, it will help us and you, too, if we can keep the prices down."

With the soaring landfill prices, Turpen said everyone should think of recycling as much garbage as possible.

He said Greene County Solid Waste, located in rural Switz City, recycles several products such as plastic, paper, and aluminum, and there is no charge. Recyclable items have to be taken to the site; however, several times a month the facility sets up drop off stations at various county locations. Those dates and locations are posted in the Greene County Daily World.

Turpen added that Solid Waste will pick up commercial cardboard at no cost.

According to Turpen, there is also a private company that will pick up recyclable products at one dollar a bag.

"Recycling is the key to saving money and keeping trash pickup at the same price," Turpen noted.