Extreme heat prompts West Lafayette to implement earlier trash collection this week

Noe Padilla, Lafayette Journal & Courier
·2 min read

WEST LAFAYETTE, Ind. — With the forecast of high temperatures and humidity approaching the region, the West Lafayette Board of Works approved a request that will allow garbage and recycling pick-up to begin at 6 a.m. this week.

Typically, trash collection doesn’t start until 7 a.m. due to the city’s noise ordinance, but because of excessive heat forecasted over the next few days, Ben Anderson, West Lafayette’s public works director, told the board his concern for the safety of garbage and recycling pick-up employees and was hoping that the board would approve this exception.

“It’s forecasted to be pretty humid and pretty hot, and it’s a little dangerous for our men and women who are outside all day,” Anderson said.

Anderson explained that with this being the first week of Purdue University's school year, his team expects to see an abnormally large amount of trash as students finish moving into their dorms and apartments.

The board weighed Anderson’s concerns and waived the noise ordinance for Wednesday and Thursday to accommodate the heat.

In advance of the anticipated hot temperatures, Duke Energy relayed the following tips:

  • Set your thermostat at the highest comfortable setting. The smaller the difference between the inside and outside temperatures, the lower your energy usage. Every degree that you raise your thermostat can help you save up to 5% in cooling costs.

  • Avoid using your washer/dryer and dishwasher during the day. If possible, delay using those appliances until evening.

  • Close blinds and curtains during the day to help reduce solar heat gain and keep your home cooler.

  • Microwaves and cooktops use less energy than electric ovens. Also consider outdoor grilling during those high-demand hours to keep your indoor temperatures lower.

  • Using a ceiling fan can make a room feel up to 4 degrees cooler than it actually is. Remember, though, that fans cool people, not rooms, so turn them off when you leave the room.

  • Turn off any unnecessary appliances, unused plug-ins and lights.

This article originally appeared on Lafayette Journal & Courier: West Lafayette approves 6 a.m. start for trash collection this week