Public Information Office
210 S. McDonald St. Suite 540
McKinney, TX  75069

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

CONTACT: Leigh Hornsby, Public Information Officer
972-548-4772
publicrelations@co.collin.tx.us

June 30, 2003

Collin County trash collection sites to operate on new schedule

(McKinney, TX) - Collin County’s three garbage collection sites will soon have new hours. As of June 21st, the convenience centers will only operate on the first Saturday of each month through September. The hours of operation are 8 a.m. until 2:30 p.m. The sites are located at C.R. 400 and FM 92 in Princeton, at FM 1778 and Business 78 in Copeville and at FM 3356 and FM 355 in Weston.

The county’s Public Works Department had been operating the sites up to three days a week, but the program became too successful. For that reason, the Commissioners’ Court reduced the number of days. “We’ve taken in more than 1200 tons of debris in less than six months,” says Collin County Commissioner Joe Jaynes. “We have already gone through our grant money. So, it’s either cut back or pull the plug on the program, and I don’t think anybody wants that.”

The county budgeted $45,000 for the project and used a $75,000 grant from the North Central Texas Council of Governments. Due to heavy usage, the funding has basically run dry. The county is, however, budgeting another $100,000 out of a contingency fund to continue a portion of the operation.

“I don’t think anyone wants to pull the plug on this project. But, cutting back to 12 days a year is better than having no program at all,” says Jaynes.

There is no charge for Collin County residents who use the sites, but they will be required to show proof of residence. The county accepts general debris such as boards, limbs, mattresses and furniture. The county also accepts freon-charged appliances if the freon recovery certification is attached. Residents may also deposit six vehicle tires per household per year.

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