Wicomico County officials clash over legislation addressing out-of-county waste management

In a heated press conference held on June 30, 2025, Wicomico County Executive and local officials gathered to address pressing concerns surrounding the county landfill and proposed legislation aimed at managing waste disposal. The atmosphere was charged as discussions unfolded about the implications of accepting out-of-county waste, a contentious issue that has lingered for decades.

At the heart of the meeting was the proposed legislation that would impose a 23% surcharge on commercial haulers bringing waste from outside the county. County Executive expressed strong opposition to this plan, emphasizing that any acceptance of external waste would violate the county's existing permit. “We cannot and will not violate our state permit,” he stated firmly, underscoring the legal ramifications of such actions. He highlighted that the legislation, if passed, could lead to significant financial burdens on local residents, potentially increasing waste disposal costs from $110 to $130 per ton.

The Executive's concerns were echoed by other officials, who pointed out that the legislation lacked proper consultation with the Maryland Department of the Environment and the county's solid waste division. “You cannot write legislation without talking to the people who manage waste,” he remarked, calling for a more collaborative approach to waste management.

As the discussion progressed, the Executive acknowledged the complexity of the issue, noting that attempts to raise tipping fees over the past two years had not yielded the desired results in diverting waste. “This is not something that will fix itself overnight,” he admitted, emphasizing the need for a comprehensive strategy to protect the landfill and, by extension, the county's 104,000 residents.

The meeting also touched on the potential consequences of the proposed phased-in method for waste collection, which could lead to trash piling up in critical areas such as hospitals and restaurants. Officials expressed a commitment to working with local haulers to find solutions that would prevent service disruptions while ensuring compliance with environmental regulations.

In closing, the Executive reiterated the importance of a unified effort to address the landfill's challenges. “We want to divert the trash,” he stated, highlighting a shared goal among officials. As the meeting wrapped up, it was clear that while the path forward remains fraught with challenges, the commitment to safeguarding Wicomico County's waste management system is stronger than ever. The outcome of the proposed legislation will be closely watched, as it holds significant implications for the county's environmental health and financial stability.