Teton County plans interim hauling to Circular Butte landfill under regional district after contract lapse

Teton County Public Works staff told commissioners on May 12 that the county’s household waste hauling contract with a local carrier expires this month and that the Eastern Idaho Regional Solid Waste District has offered interim hauling once the local contract ends.

Public Works Director Daryl Johnson said the county expected the new regional landfill to open before the contract expired; that will not occur, and the regional district — which operates its own fleet and staff — will step in and haul to Circular Butte on an interim basis at a reduced rate once the district finalizes fees. "The solid waste district doesn't want anyone other than their employees hauling to that new facility so that they have better control of trucks," Johnson said.

Johnson said the county believed the new facility would open sooner, but now expects it this fall. Eastern Idaho Regional Solid Waste officials told county staff they will present the interim hauling rates at the district board meeting later this month. Johnson said he will return to the county commission after the district approves fees so commissioners can sign a short‑term agreement.

Commissioner James added the district had declined to allow the county’s existing contractor to continue because the district promised farmers on the route stricter controls for contamination and wanted district employees handling those hauls. Johnson also attached the franchise quarterly report from the county’s franchise holder and a solid‑waste supervisor report to the public packet for commissioners’ review.

No final contract was executed at the May 12 meeting; staff will return with the district‑approved rates and a proposed interim agreement for board signature.