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Waste cuts explained

The Spokesman-Review

As a regional entity providing waste reduction, recycling and solid waste disposal services to all residents of Spokane County, it is challenging for the Spokane Regional Solid Waste System to effectively inform our customers about service changes. John Craig’s article, “Yard waste haulers to see service trims” (March 23), was accurate and factual, which I appreciate.

During the current recession both individuals and governmental agencies must control spending; we have developed a good program to continue providing excellent customer service while minimizing ratepayer costs.

As of April 1, our facilities are open to the public from 7 a.m. until 5 p.m., 359 days a year. While the summer hours will be reduced (compared to previous years) by about 6 percent, the reduction in hours for the entire year is less than 1 percent. On an annual basis, we expect this change to reduce our labor costs by over 8 percent.

The fees we received during the previous 5 p.m.-7 p.m. “extended” hours amounted to less than 1 percent of our total fees. These fees were not even sufficient to pay the labor costs of keeping the facilities open, much less defray the other costs involved with our services.

Russ Menke

Director, Spokane Regional Solid Waste System

Spokane

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