The Dyer Board of Mayor and Aldermen approved a resolution on March 27 changing the way that bulk items are handled in Dyer. The new procedures are designed to simplify disposal of bulk waste such as furniture, clothing, and other items that may not be easily disposed of in a regular rolling garbage can.

Beginning Saturday, May 6, 2017, the City of Dyer will provide open top containers (dumpsters) at the Dyer Wastewater Treatment Plant (199 Becton Drive, off of the 4 lane) for residents to dispose of bulky items. Residents are encouraged to dump their bulk items each 1st and 3rd Saturday from 8AM to Noon at the Wastewater Treatment Plant. The first date will be May 6, 2017 from 8AM to Noon. Only Dyer residents will be allowed to dump: Dumping will be monitored and only vehicles with a valid Dyer City Sticker will be permitted to dispose of items in the containers. There is no cost to Dyer residents to dispose of bulk items in the containers.

Said Dyer Mayor Chris Younger, “This service is for residential customers only – commercial users or apartment or rental house owners are encouraged to make their own arrangements for disposing of bulk waste.” The City will supply a list of providers of dumpsters for commercial users or rental property owners. Residents living in rental properties with valid city stickers will be permitted to dispose of routine bulk waste.

As part of the new procedures, the City will no longer pick up bulk items along the road. The City will develop a list of private individuals or contractors who are willing to assist residents with picking up and disposing of items that residents may not be able to handle or transport themselves. “Residents can make their own arrangements with contractors to help move their stove or couch or whatever,” said Younger, “we’re hoping this will be more convenient for our customers.”

The change in procedures was necessary due to increasing costs in the disposal of bulky items and more stringent regulations on waste in general. Mayor Younger addressed this: “Several board members didn’t feel that it was equitable for the majority of residents, who never have roadside items or only rarely have them, to fund a service that only a very small number of people use. The labor and time involved and monitoring and picking up bulk items is simply cost prohibitive if we want to keep trash fees low.”

Most cities no longer provide bulk pickup or disposal, or they charge an additional monthly fee for the service. “I don’t think completely eliminating bulk is an option for us,” said Younger, “we want to keep a free option. I wouldn’t support adding another $7 or $10 a month for bulk – that’s outrageous, especially since most residents wouldn’t often use the service.”

The city will continue to pick up limbs and other natural waste for free. Also, the city will collect natural Christmas trees each year. City Trucks will no longer be provided, however.  Weekly garbage pickup is unaffected by the changes in policy.