Chaffee County landfill staff reported that May was the first full month using the new weigh-in/ weigh-out system and the increased minimum fee, and that those changes produced a notable shift in both volumes and revenue.

The landfill’s accounting shows an increase in revenue after the county raised the minimum fee previously charged per load; staff reported the minimum rose from $10 to $20 and said the change is responsible for an approximate 20% increase in revenue in the first month. Yard waste and brush categories also recorded a large increase after the minimum fee was removed for many small loads and those materials began being weighed rather than taken as a flat minimum-charge item.

Staff told commissioners the apparent jump in brush and yard-waste tonnage is partly a mechanical effect of the new billing: loads that previously qualified for the minimum charge are now weighed and allocated into brush/yard and loose-trash categories. A corresponding increase in the “loose trash” weight line item appears to reflect the same accounting shift. Landfill staff said they observed more Chaffee County residents delivering yard waste as part of spring cleanups, which amplified the brush-and-yard-waste totals.

Operations comments emphasized safety as the main reason the facility closes during high winds, when blowing debris or unsecured metal loads create hazards. Staff also noted routine problems at the site: wind-blown litter on adjacent roads is occasionally reported by residents, and higher regional landfill prices are a near-term concern for some customers.

Commissioners were briefed that the weigh-based system and the higher minimum better reflect what the landfill is actually processing and help cover rising operations and capital costs, including construction of a new lined cell and equipment replacement anticipated in upcoming budget cycles. Staff warned the full budget impacts will be clearer during the county’s budget review, when equipment replacement and long-term operating costs are shown.

The landfill report included a corrected data note: April’s brush-and-yard-waste figure had been revised before the meeting and will be fully reflected in next month’s packet.

Less-critical items discussed during the report included contractor testing delays that have slowed some product deliveries and general seasonal expectations: snow and winter routing were not expected until November.

Ending: Commissioners indicated they will review the detailed monthly packet in budget hearings and consider the new operational data when setting fees and capital plans.