Why Cimarron should run the Orcas Island Solid Waste Station | Guest column
Published 12:56 pm Tuesday, July 31, 2012
by Blair Estenson
Cimarron president
Cimarron is an experienced solid waste and recyclable materials handling company that has been serving the citizens of San Juan County for over 15 years.
Our goal is to provide the essential service of solid waste facility operation which includes receiving recyclable materials and solid waste both from the Certificated Hauler, San Juan Sanitation and self haul while working closely with the Exchange. Through our proposal we offer the community a lower cost and greater flexibility in recycling and disposal of solid waste.
It is important to note that if Cimarron is awarded the operation of the Orcas Solid Waste Facility the Exchange will receive support from Cimarron in their efforts to reduce, reuse, recycle and retain. We have, from the beginning, communicated that we understand the goals and practices of The Exchange and San Juan Sanitation, and need to make it clear that we are not interested in limiting their operation but believe that through cooperation we can enhance the Exchange’s and San Juan Sanitation’s operations.
Cimarron offers the lowest, guaranteed rate to the citizens through an exclusive agreement with San Juan Sanitation at $154 per ton verses the Exchange’s proposed rate of $200 per ton. San Juan Sanitation will not use the Orcas facility at $200 per ton. Additionally Cimarron offers a guaranteed reduced rate of $260 to the self haul customers. Cimarron has the equipment, the established partnerships and proven ability to operate a facility year after year successfully.
Cimarron’s proposal includes the installation of a recycle sort line and baler unless there are more than anticipated changes in the waste stream due to the new curbside collection of recyclable materials. The addition of the pick line is real recycling and will bring more local jobs to the community and increase the amount of material retained on Island thus reducing the amount of waste sent to the landfill. Having the proven knowledge and experience to implement this is a real benefit to the community. Again, with Cimarron operating the Orcas Solid Waste Facility the Exchange continues to operate as it has but with greater flexibility, a true win-win.
For clarification, if Cimarron is selected to operate the solid waste facility, the Exchange will continue to operate and the citizens of San Juan County will pay less for solid waste disposal and recycling. The request for proposal does not give Cimarron authority over the Exchange.
If Cimarron is selected it does give the citizens of San Juan County the best of both worlds, the lowest rates guaranteed by an experienced solid waste and recyclable handling company and an advocate in the continuation of the Exchange’s reduce, reuse, recycle and retain.
