Waste Pro drops plans for Mandarin transfer station following community pushback

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. — Waste Pro dropped plans for a controversial waste transfer station in Mandarin after receiving strong pushback from Greenland Chase neighbors.

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The trash company purchased a 39-acre site from Shepherd of the Woods Lutheran Church in September 2020. The site at Columbia Park Court was less than 400 feet from some homes.

“Our concerns were about the health impacts a facility like this would have — our son has asthma,” neighbor Janine Santangelo said. She joined dozens who filled city council meetings dressed in red to oppose the facility.

Along with health fears, neighbors also expressed concern over increased traffic, environmental impact, and reduced home values.

“I think it demonstrates that we have the power and means to come together.”

Councilmember Danny Becton told Action News Jax’s Robert Grant that Waste Pro is still looking for an alternate location.

We asked Waste Pro where they are looking, but so far we have not heard back.

“Relief,” Norm Brewer, another neighbor said. “Because we were going into the unexpected. We were preparing for the worst.”

In June, Waste Pro told Action News Jax, “It is a strategic decision resulting in multiple benefits to the residents of Jacksonville.”

The facility would help alleviate some of the trash pickup delays currently hampering the city because of a nationwide labor shortage and increased demand.

The City of Jacksonville contracts Waste Pro. In a statement, a representative said, “The companies we contract with have expressed difficulty with being properly staffed, and tell us that is leading to delayed pickups. This has been an ongoing issue.”

A majority of pickup delays have only impacted yard waste.

Waste Pro has racked up $329,000 in fines since February because of delays. July was the company’s second-largest monthly fine, with $116,000.

“While we know one of these facilities is needed, nobody builds it near homes,” Santangelo said.

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A waste transfer station is where smaller trucks dump off garbage for larger trucks to pick up.

While Waste Pro abandoned plans for a waste transfer station, neighbors are still concerned about what could move in. The property is zoned for “light industrial” use.

“There’s always concerns about the unknown,” Brewer said. “As long as it’s not heavy industrial disguised as light industrial, I think we will be fine.”

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