Solid Waste Department explores landfill options to reduce costly transfers

In the heart of Carroll County, Maryland, the Board of County Commissioners convened on March 18, 2025, to discuss pressing issues surrounding the county's solid waste management and landfill development. As the meeting unfolded, the commissioners grappled with the complexities of managing waste disposal costs while ensuring the sustainability of their landfill operations.

The conversation began with a focus on the potential for new landfill space, which could significantly reduce the county's reliance on costly waste transfers. "Developing new space gives us the opportunity to reduce or even eliminate how much we're transferring," one commissioner noted, emphasizing the financial burden that transfers impose on the solid waste enterprise fund. The prospect of a self-sustaining waste management system emerged as a tantalizing goal, contingent on strategic decisions about how much waste to landfill versus how much to transfer.

A key point of discussion was the financial implications of landfill development. Currently, the county has approximately $11 million set aside for this purpose, but estimates suggest that full development could exceed $100 million. Initial steps to prepare the landfill could cost around $30 million, prompting commissioners to consider allocating part of their unassigned fund balance to support this project. "We have a chance to put aside some money that would cover a lot of the cost," one commissioner remarked, highlighting the urgency of planning for future expenditures.

The commissioners also faced the daunting task of estimating the lifespan of the landfill based on varying waste disposal strategies. With current projections indicating that the landfill could last about 38 years if managed effectively, the discussion turned to the balance between landfilling and transferring waste. The implications of these choices are significant; increasing landfill use could shorten its lifespan, while reducing transfers could alleviate financial strain on the budget.

As the meeting progressed, the commissioners acknowledged the long timeline required for landfill development, which includes permitting, design, and construction phases. "Developing landfill is not gonna be a quick thing," one commissioner cautioned, underscoring the need for proactive planning to ensure the county's waste management remains viable in the years to come.

In conclusion, the Board of County Commissioners is at a pivotal juncture, weighing the financial and environmental impacts of their waste management strategies. As they prepare for upcoming budget discussions, the decisions made in the coming months will shape the future of solid waste management in Carroll County, potentially paving the way for a more sustainable and economically sound approach to waste disposal.