Adams County Solid Waste Committee declines 2026 fee increases, keeps current rates

The Adams County Solid Waste Committee voted May 13 to leave current user fees unchanged after staff proposed increases for 2026 to help cover capital and closure costs.

Committee members heard that staff recommended a 9% increase for town transfer sites, a 5% increase for roll-off containers and a 6% increase for the landfill tipping fee. "So what we are proposing for 2026 shows an increase, for the town transfer sites of 9%, increase for the roll offs of 5%, and then a tipping the tipping fee increases by 6%," said Kyle (last name not specified), staff member, Adams County Solid Waste.

The recommendation followed staff warnings about planned capital work and longer-term closure costs. "We do have a number of capital projects coming up," Kyle said, noting a planned vertical expansion and an eventual full-cap landfill cap that would require significant funding.

Supervisor Gordon moved to keep the fees as they are for 2026 and revisit rates next year; Supervisor Bork seconded the motion. The chair called for the ayes and the motion carried without recorded roll-call tallies. The committee therefore adopted no change to the advertised 2026 rates at the meeting.

During discussion, staff noted nearby market comparisons: Cranberry Creek Landfill's 2025 tipping fee was cited at $90 per ton, described in committee remarks as roughly a $10 difference from local proposals. Committee members also discussed the possibility of larger increases in future years if capital or closure costs rise further.

The committee did not adopt a schedule of phased increases at this meeting. Staff retained direction to return with future recommendations as projects and cost estimates develop.

The committee approved the meeting agenda and earlier minutes before handling rates; no other formal actions on rates were taken at this session.