Dickinson County updates solid-waste rules: new dumpster rental fees, free curbside household drop-off and higher disposal rates

The Dickinson County Board of Supervisors approved changes to the county's solid waste and litter control ordinance and set new solid-waste disposal rates effective Aug. 1. County staff presented two principal ordinance changes: a prohibition on curbside collection of solid waste generated outside Dickinson County (so curbside pickup will be limited to in-county residents), and new rules for renting bulk containers. Under the ordinance, a residential bulk container rental will require an upfront $75 monthly rental fee and an additional $36 charge for each time the container is emptied. Residents must visit the Dickinson County Solid Waste Transfer Station to sign a placement contract and pay the initial fees. Solid waste staff said the county currently has six containers and a three-page waiting list; the county asked for quotes for 10 additional dumpsters to reduce delays. The county also will stop charging residents standard per-ton fees for household waste that would normally be picked up curbside; instead those household items can be delivered to the transfer station at no charge. Staff said that measure is intended to reduce roadside dumping and ease collection of household refuse. On rates, the county voted to raise disposal fees from $52 per ton to $60 per ton (matching neighboring counties in the Cumberland Plateau Regional Waste Authority), with tires remaining a separate category. County staff said the uptick reflects higher transportation and disposal contract costs and is timed ahead of an October contract increase. Supervisor discussion emphasized that the new rental terms (monthly fee plus per-empty fee) follow the model used in a neighboring county and will be enforced through a simple one-page contract at the transfer station. Staff noted the change should also discourage bringing curbside materials from outside the county.