Council previews Trees for Trash and Free Landfill Day resolution, staff cites declining tonnage

Staff presented Resolution 6-26 to designate the city’s Trees for Trash and community cleanup event on May 2 and the fall Free Landfill Day on Sept. 26.

Dan (staff) said the events promote community cleanup and neighborhood volunteerism, that Trees for Trash (sponsored by Sheridan Media and title sponsors) gives away seedlings (this year a mountain ash), and that participation has remained relatively strong while collected tonnage has fallen from 2023 to 2025. He noted Sheridan County participates financially and a draft mayoral letter to the county was included in the packet.

A resident praised Trees for Trash and asked whether recent windy conditions might increase tonnage this year; council members said tonnage has declined and credited better cleanup and parks maintenance while noting wind and litter at the landfill remain management challenges.

The proposed resolution will be presented for formal consideration at the next council meeting; staff asked members to notify them in advance if they have specific questions so staff can prepare materials for that meeting.