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Sanitation Department
The Sanitation Department is responsible for a minimum of once a week collection and disposal of residential and commercial refuse. They are also responsible for free appliance pickup (refrigerant must be removed, with proof, prior to pickup). Bulky waste pickup is also available.
Clean Up Dumpster
This department also provides 8-yard cleanup dumpsters to citizens at their residence for a $75 fee All rentals must be in the name of the water account holder or verified landlord of the address. In addition, all City accounts for that renter must be in good standing.
A signed Residential Dumpster Agreement and payment must be filled out and returned to City Hall prior to receiving a dumpster.
Recycling
Recycling drop-off is available every first Saturday of the month from 8 am to noon, and every Thursday from 11 AM to 1 PM (beginning July 1, 2023) at the Sanitation Yard located at 21st and Maple. If the first Saturday falls on a weekend holiday, recycling may be moved to the second Saturday of the month. Call 332-2500 to confirm the date and time. Click here to view a list of approved items that can be recycled.
Bulky Waste Dropoff
Bulky item drop-off (Appliances, Mattresses, Furniture, Etc.) is available the first Saturday of the month from 8 AM to 12 NOON and beginning July 1, 2023 every Thursday and Friday 8 AM to 12 NOON at the Sanitation Yard located at 21st and Maple. If any appliance has freon, the freon must be professionally removed (with proof shown) before it can be brought to the Yard or picked up. If the first Saturday falls on a weekend holiday, bulky waste pickup may be moved to the second Saturday of the month. Call 332-2500 to confirm the date and time.
- How do I find out my trash pick up days and location?
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For most residents, the pick-up location is the curb in front of your house. However, there are several exceptions (for example, where street access is too steep to safely place and pick up the trash cart). An interactive map is available on the City's website at this link: Interactive Sanitation Route Map The interactive map allows you to type in your address and see both your designated pick-up location (street or alley) and the day of the week. For a printable PDF version, visit this link: PDF Sanitation Route Please place your polycart in the right-of-way near the curb or alley (depending on your pickup location) and do not place it in the street or in the alley.
- Can I still use my old trash can? If not, what do I do with it?
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You can use an additional trash can for bagged trash up to three times over any three-month period. After that, the City may require an additional polycart and an additional monthly fee will apply. If you would like to get rid of an old trash can just leave a note on it and place it with your poly cart, and we will collect it with your trash.
- What if one polycart is not enough for my family?
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A polycart can hold approximately 95 gallons and can weigh up to 300 pounds. Each polycart is picked up once per week. However, if you need an additional cart you can get one for $14.58 per month -- or $3.65 per week.
- What time does my cart need to be placed at my designated pick-up location?
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By 5 a.m. on the day of your service. Please take it back to your house as soon as possible after we've emptied it.
- Do I need to move my polycart after my trash is picked up?
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Yes, please move your polycart back to the house once it is emptied.
- What can I place in the polycart?
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Please place only bagged household garbage in the polycart. Harsh chemicals or hot ashes will damage the polycart.
- What if I am physically unable to haul my cart to my designated pick-up location?
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The new carts are on wheels, making them easier to maneuver than free-standing trash cans and heavy-filled garbage bags. However, trash pick-up service closer to your house is available for a small additional fee of $6.60/month – or $1.65 per week.
- What if I miss my collection day, or I am late putting out my trash?
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We will be back next week. Unfortunately, we cannot manage second passes to individual residences.
- Are you still picking up bulky items?
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Yes. The easiest way to get on the list for bulky item pick-up is to put in a work order on the City’s website at this link: Request a Service
However, the easiest way to get rid of large amounts of trash (from moving, cleaning out a house, doing renovation, etc.) is to contact the City to arrange rental of an 8 yard residential dumpster (note there are restrictions on what can be placed in a dumpster). Cleanup dumpsters are available to citizens at their residence for a $75 fee All rentals must be in the name of the water account holder or verified landlord of the address. In addition, all City accounts for that renter must be in good standing. A signed Residential Dumpster Agreement and payment must be filled out and returned to City Hall prior to receiving a dumpster.
ALSO, the City Sanitation Yard at 21st & Maple is still accepting bulky items on the following schedule: Tuesdays & Thursdays 8 a.m.-2 p.m., and 1st Saturday of the month 8 a.m. to 12 noon. Please note holidays may temporarily modify this schedule.
AND, the City's brush dump (located on County Road 4100 a half-mile south of College Avenue) is open to City residents on the first Saturday of the month from 8 AM to 12 noon. For online directions to the brush dump from Temporary City Hall visit this link: Brush Dump Location
- Will the schedule change on holidays?
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Yes, if a holiday falls on a scheduled residential route day, generally the routes will be shifted to the next day. The following holidays and schedule changes will be observed for the remainder of 2022:
- July 4 (4th of July) no service, all routes shifted by one day that week.
- September 5 (Labor Day) no service, all routes shifted by one day that week.
- November 11 (Veterans Day) no service, Friday route shifted to Saturday.
- November 24 (Thanksgiving) no service.
- November 25 (Friday) Sanitation will be picking up the Thursday route.
- November 26 (Saturday) Sanitation will be picking up the Friday route.
- December 26 (Christmas Holiday) no service, all routes shifted by one day that week.
- January 2, 2023 (New Year’s Holiday) no service, all routes shifted by one day that week.
- What if my cart is damaged or stolen?
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If you haven’t damaged the cart with things like harsh chemicals or hot ashes, the City will provide you with a new cart at no charge. If the cart is stolen, you will have to file a police report in order to receive a new cart. As each cart has a serial number unique to its address, tracking is easier.
- What if I move, do I take my cart?
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No. Leave your cart at your residence, even if you just move across town. Your cart’s serial number is associated with its address.
- Is there a hardship rate?
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Yes, the criteria to qualify for the hardship rates for water, sewer and sanitation services can be found at this link: Hardship Rates
The application can be found at this link: Hardship Rate Application For more information call the main City line at 620-332-2500.
- How do I pay my bill?
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Payments may be made over the phone at 1-844-215-7377, online at Online Bill Pay, or dropped off at our two drop box locations: 811 W Laurel Street, and 120 N. 6th Street. To start, stop, or transfer service call 620-332-2500, Monday - Friday, 8 AM to 12 PM and 1 PM to 5 PM.
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Sanitation Department
Physical Address
21st Street/Maple Street
Independence, KS 67301
Mailing Address
811 West Laurel Street
Attention: Sanitation
Independence, KS 67301
Phone: 620-332-2500Fax: 620-332-2511
Shop Phone: 620-332-2518
Sanitation Yard – Open to Citizens
Tuesday
11 am to 1 pmThursday
8 am to 2 pm1st Saturday of the Month
8 am to NoonRecycling Drop Off
Tuesday
11 am to 1 pmBrush Yard – Open to Citizens
1st Saturday of the Month
8 am to Noon
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John Felton
Interim Assistant Director of Public Works & Utilities
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John Garris
Public Works & Utilities Director/City Engineer