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County discusses new charges and plans for mattress disposal at landfill
Summary
Public Works staff told the board mattress disposal fees are increasing and described efforts to avoid handling hazardous or bio-contaminated items; no formal policy change was adopted.
Allegany County public works staff raised concerns about increasing costs to dispose of mattresses at the landfill and outlined steps the department will take to limit staff exposure and control costs.
Tom Windesplees said Highland will charge the county $35 per mattress and the county does not want employees handling used mattresses because of potential contamination. He said the department is researching options, including limiting the county contribution toward disposal costs or waiting for potential state legislation that would require mattress manufacturers to handle recycling by 2028.
"We really don't want our guys handling those mattresses. Used mattresses. You never know what can be on there," Windesplees said. Dean, a department staff member, noted electronics recycling is legislatively supported and occurs four times a year at no cost to the county and suggested mattress producer responsibility could produce a similar outcome.
The board did not vote on a new fee at the meeting; staff said they will research options for safe, cost-effective handling and return with a formal recommendation in the future.
