by Nicole Matheson

When people throw something away, that is usually the last time they think about it. But for the hard working folks at Republic Services, this is where the job begins. 

RiverScene Magazine spoke with territory executive Niki Nickle and operations manager Chris Kline about some frequently asked questions concerning trash. Also addressed were concerns that the public may not be aware of.

For example, for those who have ever found themselves having to dispose of large items such as furniture or appliances, they don’t necessarily have to find a truck and make a trip to the dump. 

“Lake Havasu City residents can call our offices to schedule a curbside collection of large household items such as water heaters, furniture and appliances,” Nickle said. “This service is offered at no charge for city residents (except for tires and Freon certification) up to six times per calendar year. Please, no construction debris, tear down items, commercial waste, landscaping, or other items that may otherwise require temporary bin service.”

If the job does require a trip to the dump – the Lake Havasu City Landfill – go Monday thru Friday from 7 a.m. to 3 p.m. and Saturday 8 a.m. to 12 p.m. (closed Sundays.) The Landfill is located on 3251 Chenoweth Road.

To dispose of batteries, Nickle recommends local partners Staples, Home Depot and Lowe’s who accept lithium batteries. Nickle cautioned, “It is important that residents properly dispose of batteries as they are the leading cause of fires at the landfill.”

Staples also accepts electronics. Additionally, there is an Electronics Bin at Republic Services’ yard at 2011 College Drive.

Photo courtesy of Niki Nickle

Disposing of oil and fuel should also be done properly at the Landfill, according to Nickle. “We have partnered with Lake Havasu City on a used oil and fuel program at the Landfill in which residents can properly dispose of used oil, gas and diesel up to 10 gallons of fuel and 10 gallons of oil per visit. The disposal cost is $4.40/gallon.”

To dispose of hazardous household materials, Republic Services has also teamed with the city for a semiannual event. Residents can drop off their household hazards on these event dates.

More information on hazardous waste disposal can be found at https://www.lhcaz.gov/fire-department/household-hazardous-waste

Nickle also recommends proper recycling habits. “Did you know, all of Havasu recyclables from residential mixed to commercial cardboard all goes to our yard on College Drive to be sorted and then taken daily to a state of the art processing facility in Las Vegas? It is so important to know what to recycle and what is not recyclable. Our team at College Drive is happy to help with any questions or you can visit https://recyclingsimplified.com/ for more detailed information.”

Republic Services office phone number is 928-855-9441 for questions not answered here.