Dumpsters at the Sand Pit and Electrical Department Become Source of Ongoing Headache for the City
By Tim Nation
City officials are warning residents that a program intended to help with household waste disposal has become a growing problem at the sand pit. What began as three dumpsters placed years ago to give citizens a place to leave extra household trash between weekly pickups has evolved into a site plagued by illegal and hazardous dumping.
The city originally installed three dumpsters at the sand pit and three by the city electrical department to provide a convenient option for residents. Over time the sand pit location has seen increasing volumes of waste and a rising number of prohibited items left at the site. To limit windblown litter and prevent trash from being dumped onto neighboring properties, the city constructed a containment area around the dumpsters.
Daily cleanup is now required. City crews spend on average two employees up to an hour each day picking up trash around the sand pit dumpsters. Because of the volume and type of material being left, the city has also installed cameras to identify individuals who dump illegally.
State law requires the city to comply with K.S.A. 65-3402 to operate the sand pit site as a household waste disposal location. That statute, together with landfill classification rules, limits what may be accepted at an unstaffed dumpster site. After consulting state requirements, the city adopted stricter local rules to keep the sand pit open for residents while remaining in compliance.
The city’s rules for the sand pit and Electrical Department dumpsters are:
For household waste only.
No construction material.
No appliances.
No Furniture.
No tires, oil, paint, or other hazardous materials.
No Metal, Steel, Iron, Etc.
Landfills accept many of the items prohibited at the sand pit. For example, Gray County Landfill in Ingalls is a C&D (Construction and Demolition) landfill and accepts construction-related items; it is open Tuesday through Saturday, 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Landfills in Kansas are classified, and acceptance of specific items depends on each landfill’s classification.
The city explored placing larger dumpsters at the sand pit, but state law prevents that option. To continue offering the current service, the city must follow the state regulations in full.
Illegal dumping is a criminal offense under state law. K.S.A. 65-3409 sets fines for illegal dumping: $250 to $1,000 for a first offense and up to $5,000 for subsequent offenses. Anyone caught dumping illegally will receive a ticket and must appear in court. In addition to illegal dumping charges, violators may also be cited for littering.
The city emphasizes that enforcement is not the goal; the goal is to provide a place for citizens to dispose of extra household waste responsibly. However, due to the recent increase in prohibited dumping, the city is moving to stricter enforcement.
Beginning the weekend of March 13, 2026, anyone caught dumping illegally at the sand pit or Electrical Department will receive a summons to appear in court for illegal dumping and/or littering. The city also reminds residents that dumping along county roadsides or in fields is illegal.
What Residents Should Do
Use the sand pit dumpsters only for household trash. (including card board that has been broken down)
Take construction debris, appliances, tires, oil, paint, and other hazardous materials to an appropriate landfill or facility.
Consider Gray County Landfill in Ingalls for C&D items during its posted hours.
Avoid leaving prohibited items at the sand pit or Electrical Department to prevent fines and to keep the service available for everyone.
Report anyone you see dumping Illegally.
City officials urge cooperation so the sand pit dumpsters can remain a useful resource rather than becoming an environmental and enforcement burden. The city will continue monitoring the site, enforcing the rules, and working to keep neighboring properties free of dumped waste. If you have any questions, feel free to contact Tim Nation or Mark Pingsterhaus at 620-855-2215.