Council reacts to Moorcroft landfill closure

As yet, the City of Sundance is not yet aware of any knock-on financial effects that may be caused by the closure of the last remaining landfill in Crook County.

“As of July 1, the landfill closed over in Moorcroft,” Clerk Treasurer Kathy Lenz told the council last week.

At that time, the landfill ceased to accept household garbage from both individuals and contractors, and now only accepts yard waste, construction and demolition waste and dead animals.

The town had been exploring various options to keep the landfill open but was ultimately unable to do so.

“It’s unfortunate we’re in this situation, but I think we did everything we could do – we just don’t have any choice right now,” commented Moorcroft Council Member Dale Petersen when the announcement was made.

“They were going to keep it open until Newcastle got opened, but they decided to go ahead and close it a little bit early,” said Lenz last week, referring to the Weston County Solid Waste District and its ongoing work to construct a landfill.

Sundance has contracted with CW Waste for the last few years to perform trash pick-ups within the city. For that reason, what to do about the loss of the landfill will not be a question directly answered by the council.

“We’re not really in charge of our garbage – that’s the haulers’ part of the deal,” said Lenz.

It’s possible, though, that Gillette will be the chosen destination, on the basis that Sundance’s garbage is already taken there during periods of less clement weather.

“If the weather was bad and it was muddy, we went on to Gillette already,” said Mayor Paul Brooks.