Carroll County approves $7.15M waste disposal contract renewal and recycling service funding

In a bustling session at the Carroll County government building, the Board of County Commissioners convened on June 26, 2025, to address critical waste management contracts and community services. The meeting, marked by a series of motions and approvals, underscored the county's commitment to efficient waste disposal and recycling initiatives.

The first significant topic on the agenda was the approval of a contract with WM Recycle America for processing and recycling recovered materials. The board unanimously approved an agreement with the Northeast Maryland Waste Disposal Authority, granting spending authorization of $1,173,367 for the upcoming fiscal year. This decision reflects the county's ongoing efforts to enhance its recycling capabilities and manage waste responsibly.

Transitioning from recycling to waste disposal, the commissioners discussed renewing the yearly waste transfer and disposal contract with the Northeast Maryland Waste Disposal Authority. The board approved a budget of $7,150,000 for fiscal year 2026, which will facilitate the transfer of waste to Republic Services' landfill in New York. This contract, now in its eighth year of a ten-year agreement, includes optional one-year renewals, ensuring continuity in waste management services.

In a notable exchange, a commissioner inquired about the percentage of waste being transferred versus what is buried in the landfill. The response indicated that approximately 25% of the waste is currently being transferred, with the county successfully meeting its waste management goals for the year.

The meeting also highlighted the county's partnership with the Arc of Carroll County, which has been instrumental in staffing the recycling drop-off area. The board approved spending authority of $99,750 for recycling services, emphasizing the program's success since its inception in 1998.

Additionally, the commissioners addressed the upcoming household hazardous waste events, approving an estimated budget of $80,000 for services provided by MXI Environmental Services. These events, designed to safely collect hazardous materials from residents, also include educational components from the health department, reinforcing the county's commitment to public safety and environmental stewardship.

Lastly, the board discussed an amendment to a contract with CLSI for the preparation of plat and grading documents related to the Carroll County Regional Airport's runway project. The approval of an additional $31,300, with 90% of the costs reimbursed by the FAA, reflects the county's proactive approach to infrastructure development.

As the meeting concluded, the commissioners reaffirmed their dedication to effective waste management and community services, setting the stage for a sustainable future in Carroll County.