City outlines rising operational costs at county transfer station amid increasing waste

The Lancaster County Council and Lancaster City Council held a joint meeting on April 15, 2025, to address pressing issues related to waste management and the operation of the county's transfer station. The meeting focused on the increasing volume of waste generated by the growing population and the associated operational costs.

The discussion began with a presentation highlighting the correlation between population growth and waste production. According to the 2020 DHEC annual waste management report, the average household in South Carolina generates 5.3 pounds of waste per person daily. With 26,000 residential parcels approved for development in Lancaster County, this translates to an estimated 66 tons of waste per day that must be processed. The transfer station currently has a capacity of 315 tons per day, indicating that it can accommodate the projected increase in waste.

Council members noted that the operational costs of the transfer station have risen significantly since the city and county entered an agreement in 2009. The operational cost has increased from $279,700 to $813,370, marking a 91% rise. Consequently, the fee charged to the county for waste disposal has increased from $29 to $45 per ton, while private haulers are charged even more.

The discussion also touched on the rising costs of equipment necessary for waste management. For instance, the cost of a walking floor trailer has nearly doubled since 2018, and the budget for an over-road tractor has increased significantly. These rising costs are straining the budget and may necessitate further increases in disposal fees.

Concerns were raised about the condition of the current landfill, which has been described as poorly maintained and hazardous for drivers. Council members emphasized the need to explore alternative landfills that offer better safety and operational conditions, despite potentially higher costs.

The meeting concluded with a call for collaboration between the city and county to share the financial burden of waste management. Council members acknowledged that without addressing these issues, the transfer station may have to limit its services, potentially impacting residents and private haulers alike. The councils plan to continue discussions on how to manage these challenges effectively in the future.