Transfer Station to remain closed

By TOM LAVENTURE

tlaventure@yourdailyglobe.com

Ironwood - The Gogebic Range Solid Waste Management Authority plans to continue the shutdown of its transfer station and recycling facility for the duration of the emergency order regarding the coronavirus pandemic.

The waste management authority shut down operation except for garbage collection on March 23. The scheduled garbage collection in the townships of Ironwood, Bessemer, Marenisco and Wakefield and in the city of Wakefield continue on schedule.

"At this point I understand that we will be closed for the duration of the order," said Jeff Randall, chair of the waste management authority. "The reason that we are doing this is to keep our workers healthy and safe."

The workers on site work with distance from others to protect anyone from potential contact with someone who has the coronavirus that causes COVID-19, he said. The workers and administrative staff do not interact in person, he said. 

"We do not have a lot of extra workers," Randall said. "We do not want to see service disrupted."

Residents still have their trash picked up by the waste management authority using the provided bags, he said. For people doing spring cleaning there are additional waste management authority bags available.

"The large piles of stuff are going to just have to wait until the emergency order is lifted," Randall said.

Municipalities have their own spring cleanup day or curbside pickup events, he said. Some provide a large dumpster or drop-off location for residents to bring large household items. 

"Those are set way into May," Randall said. "We will re-evaluate when that day comes up depending on the emergency order."

The city of Ironwood spring cleaning day has been canceled, according to Scott Erickson, city manager. The city still plans to have its fall clean up day, he said.

The city of Bessemer was going to have its first cleanup day event for residents this year, said Charly Loper, city manager. The date has not yet been scheduled and the event has been put on hold to be considered after the shutdown is over.

"Our cleanup day is on hold," Loper said. "We are playing it by ear."

The cities of Ironwood and Bessemer use Eagle Waste & Recycling for its garbage pickup and all services are continuing through the shutdown, Loper said. Eagle said it would keep the city notified of any changes required during the shutdown, she said.

The city of Hurley has curbside pickup for trash bags from spring through summer, according to the city office. There is no large item dropoff site and residents are referred to the transfer station at the Waste Management Authority site at E5917 U.S.-2 in Ironwood.

Residents using the Waste Management Authority services should direct questions to Chris Bressette, administrator at 906-932-0600. The authority also uses a website and Facebook page for updates and announcements.