Montgomery County Council evaluates waste fee increase proposal amid service deterioration

Montgomery County Council members are grappling with the urgent need to address rising waste management costs, as discussions during the May 5 session highlighted the pressing implications of an aging waste disposal system. The council is considering a significant increase in the system benefit charge, which funds essential waste processing facilities and debt service costs.

Council members expressed concern over years of neglect regarding the county's waste management strategy, particularly in light of a letter from the Aiming for 0 Waste Task Force, dated nearly five years ago. The letter warned that if the county council approved the closure of the Resource Recovery Facility (RRF), also known as the incinerator, a thorough analysis of costs and benefits would be necessary before making such a pivotal decision. With a 2026 closure date looming, council members acknowledged that much of the required transition work has yet to be completed.

Council Member Albornoz emphasized the potential catastrophic consequences of failing to address the current waste management system, drawing parallels to similar challenges faced by the Washington Suburban Sanitary Commission (WSSC) regarding water services. Both water and waste management are fundamental responsibilities of local government that have suffered from prolonged neglect.

As the council deliberates on the necessary fee increases, members are weighing the impact on residents and local businesses. One council member shared a personal anecdote about a local barber's reaction to a proposed $700 increase in trash collection fees, underscoring the delicate balance between maintaining public health and supporting the economic viability of small businesses.

The council is now tasked with determining the appropriate fee increase to ensure a clean and safe environment for residents while considering the financial strain on the community. The outcome of these discussions will shape the future of waste management in Montgomery County, with significant implications for both public health and local economies.