Noxious weeds update: Riley County plans to stop accepting business hazardous waste next year

Mike Fuller, speaking for Riley County’s Noxious Weed and Household Hazardous Waste (HHW) programs, reported field and program activity and announced a policy change for hazardous-waste acceptance. Fuller said the third round of county mowing is about 25% complete and that sericea lespedeza is going to seed—"This is our beloved sericea lespedeza"—making fall spraying timely.

On hazardous waste, Fuller said the county will stop accepting business waste at the HHW facility effective Jan. 1, 2027, citing the household-focused statutory framework and rising transport and processing costs: "As of 01/01/2027, we will no longer accept business waste at our facility." He added the county will provide businesses with options and vendor information to avoid leaving them without disposal paths.

Fuller also outlined equipment and training plans: the county delivered a tractor for boom-mower acquisition with a tentative pickup and training planned for Nov. 18 (out-of-state travel request forthcoming). He closed by noting the county’s HHW training role for regional staff and the program’s contribution to lower transfer-station insurance costs because it diverts hazardous items from the general waste stream.

Why it matters: The HHW policy shift affects businesses that previously used the county facility and requires communication and transition planning; weed-control timing and equipment upgrades affect roadside maintenance and budgets.