Waste Management Hoisted On Its Own (Phony) Green Petard

From: Rachel Opinsky <ropinsky8@gmail.com>
Sent: Tuesday, March 7, 2023 7:51 PM
To: jeffrey.mcclure@pinal.gov <jeffrey.mcclure@pinal.gov>
Subject: Oracle Transfer Station: Waste Management
 March 7, 2023
Jeffrey McClure Pinal County Supervisor, District 4
Dear Supervisor McClure:
  My husband, Michael and I are aware of the current situation with Waste Management charging $15 per load for recyclables and that as our Board of Supervisor you stated there is nothing that you can do about this situation because WM is a private company. 
   In 2008 when the site was reconsidered to become a waste disposal transfer station, a majority of residents objected to its location near a residential area and the possibility of toxic and flammable materials being disposed of in our backyard.   A location outside of San Manuel, some distance from residences was part of the discussion. WM objected to this because of the extra commute and transportation expenses. Despite our objection, the BOS at the time, unanimously voted in support of it. After the vote, a supervisor came out into the parking lot and informed the Oracle group, he wouldn’t have voted for this if it had been in his district. However, the board had an agreement; if one supervisor wanted a certain vote for their district, all voted that way. So, democratic! It left a bad feeling for Oracle because it seemed so obvious that WM, a private company, was given priority over the community.
  Now a repeat of WM dominating their wishes over the community and suspiciously the BOS by charging $15 a recyclable load! We are reminded of the recent Waste Management Phoenix Open (seen by the world, no less!) Known as both the “Greenest Show on Grass” for its 11th consecutive year of sustainability efforts-it’s the world’s largest zero waste event…per visitphoenix.com and reiterated by the various media outlets that covered it. In comparison, view the Oracle Transfer Station.
  On any average day, the site may have trash strewed about and no solid protection to keep hazard materials from leaking into the ground. Only green visible are the dumpsters. Have you visited Pima County’s Catalina Waste Management Transfer Station? It is immaculate! This site is on county property and operated by WM. Apparently, the Pima County BOS is on the side of their residents and believe they can manage a private company on county property.
  Oracle is non-incorporated. Our representation is you, Mr. McClure! You essentially are our mayor and city council.  I know that you will be visiting Oracle this week and I appreciate that. Unfortunately, my husband and I are unable to attend. I ask that you step up, get to know the community you are representing and represent its residents.  Oracle wants to be included in WM’s Greenest Show in the World” by being allowed to participate in zero waste management right here! I am sure there is something that you can do for your Oracle constituents.

Respectfully,
Rachel A Opinsky
PO Box 5377
Oracle, AZ 85623
623 523 9989
ropinsky8@gmail.com