County faces solid‑waste challenges: incinerator limits, wet garbage and a new e‑waste pilot

County environmental staff and commissioners reviewed several solid‑waste issues: incinerator capacity, wetter curbside loads, compactor‑truck augers that grind waste, organics rollout delays and a new electronics recycling pilot. Environmental committee members reported the incinerator can handle up to 62,000 tons per year but the county has historically operated at lower tonnages (around 55,000; this year projected at 52,000). Staff said increased moisture in incoming loads during wet weather — and new auger compactor trucks that grind and compact material — are making combustion less efficient and forcing more material through the county’s recycling/processing (the “Murph”) before burning. Commissioners and staff discussed trucking and containers practices that add water weight (open tarps on collection trailers), and suggested enforcement, tarp improvements or incentives (a surcharge for wet loads) to discourage delivery of wet waste. Commissioners also discussed organics program rollout delays and staffing needs at the Murph recycling facility. Separately, the environmental committee proposed a limited electronics recycling “flash” week — a short, county‑resident electronics drop‑off with waived fees for a limited period — to encourage proper disposal and remove stored e‑waste from households. Commissioners authorized the administrator and environmental committee to set dates (administration will sign off), suspend fees for the week this calendar year and run a pilot; staff will publish eligible items and limits to discourage commercial dumping. The board also authorized purchase of a covered 40‑cubic‑yard roll‑off container to store mattresses at the Osage transfer station ($8,674.57) to prevent weather damage before transport and disposal. Board members asked staff to set clear item limits (e.g., two monitors per household) and stressed the pilot should be advertised so residents can collect materials over time; staff said they will run the pilot, track volumes and return with results. No permanent fee changes were approved; the board authorized a one‑week fee waiver pilot to be scheduled and publicized this calendar year.