Pope/Douglas Solid Waste Management
Pope/Douglas operates a multi-faceted and comprehensive waste and recycling operation. Lots of moving parts. Lots of dedicated employees. Lots of community partners. We want you to know what goes into running a successful waste and recycling program through tours, speaking events and community events. Knowing what and how you throw or recycle something makes a difference!
Board of Directors
Commissioners: Larry Lindor (Pope), Paul Gerde (Pope), Shane Schmidt (Douglas), Charlie Meyer (Douglas) and Bill Franzen (Member at Large)
Executive Director: Steve Vrchota
Board Secretary: Brooke Hellerman
History
Pope/Douglas Solid Waste Management has continued to evolve as state and local requirements and needs change throughout the years.
We pride ourselves with providing our varied services and programs in a fiscally-aware and environmentally-sensitive manner.
1988
17,202 tons of waste processed in the first year and 31,671 tons of waste processed 2007 – Total tons of waste processed during 20 years of operation – 476,009
1989
Implemented Curbside Recycling Programs and Satellite Collection Sites in Pope and Douglas Counties
1993
Opened Household Hazardous Waste (HHW) Drop-off/Reuse Center. 515 Residents dropped items at HHW and 489 Residents picked up
1994
Constructed an Ash Monofil
1997
Opened Recycling Drop Center at Pope/Douglas Solid Waste Management facility.
1997
Replaced Combustors, Boilers and Air Pollution Control Equipment as required to meet new E.P.A. Standards
2003
Constructed Materials Recovery Facility (MRF) to remove more recyclable materials from waste stream – from 2004 thru 2007, the MRF processed 97,800 tons of MSW removing an additional 6,800 tons or 7% of recyclable materials.
2010
Expanded Waste to Energy Facility by adding Third Combustor.
2020
Constructed an Organics Transfer Facility, as part of the Glacial Ridge Compost Facility, to serve organics recycling and management needs from a 5 county area.
2021
Began construction of the Glacial Ridge Compost Facility, owned and operated by Pope/Douglas Solid Waste, to serve the organics processing and management needs of 5 partnering counties. Facility will be opening in 2022.
2022
Breaking ground on the Environmental Center spring of 2022 with being operational by the end of 2024. This new facility will manage all public-facing recycling and hazardous waste functions within a convenient drive-through and enhanced spaces for waste and recycling educational programming to help #putwasteinitsplace.