Solid-waste director reports lower tonnage, falling recycling revenue and equipment repairs

The county solid-waste director updated the commission on annual landfill and recycling metrics, noting a decline in total tonnage and a lower recycling market for cardboard and some plastics.

The report compared the current year to previous years and showed a decline in total intake of roughly 5 million pounds year-over-year, reducing the daily average tons from about 17.18 to 15.26. The director attributed some changes to reclassification (separating industrial C&D and out-of-county loads) and to market conditions that have reduced cardboard value from about $120 per ton to roughly $80–$90 per ton on recent loads.

The director also reported maintenance and equipment issues: repeated track problems with a 963-series machine and a fan-clutch repair that was completed; Caterpillar agreed to cover certain repair costs. The recycling center’s diversion rate dropped to about 4.15% for the year, and the director said a single-stream investment could increase diversion but would require capital outlay.

Additional operational notes included an upcoming household hazardous waste shipment (10 barrels) and an online 8-hour HHW refresher course. The director flagged the potential for increased tonnage if local drilling activity resumes. Commissioners asked about revenue implications; the director said revenue has decreased as tonnage and market prices for recyclables fell.

Ending: The commission accepted the landfill and recycling report and noted the director will continue monitoring equipment reliability and recycling markets, and will return with procurement proposals if replacement equipment is recommended.