County consultant outlines solid‑waste plan, RMA funding possibilities and proposed recycling depot expansion

Kevin McCarthy, a consultant working with Crook County, and county solid‑waste staff presented draft recommendations on Jan. 15 for the county’s solid waste management plan and proposed capital improvements to the landfill’s public transfer and recycling areas.

Why it matters: the plan recommendations would change how residents drop off materials at the landfill, create a centralized recycling depot with increased capacity and potentially make the county eligible for state RMA funding intended to support recycling infrastructure.

What presenters proposed - Two capital projects: (1) expand and formalize a centralized recycling depot with raised tipping areas, additional bins and a ramped traffic flow to reduce weekend backups; (2) public transfer area improvements including covered areas, reconfigured traffic flow and capacity increases. The consultant estimated one transfer‑area project at roughly $1,240,000 (pre‑design, rough estimate). - Centralization and contamination control: county staff said consolidating recycling operations in one location would allow dedicated technicians to reduce contamination and ensure chargeable items are billed appropriately, potentially increasing revenue capture. - RMA funding and timing: presenters said the Recycling Modernization Act creates new producer responsibility organizations and potential funding, but details on how funds will flow to municipalities and counties remain unsettled. County staff said earlier expectations that RMA would pay projects upfront have shifted and reimbursement could be back‑ended (2027), meaning the county and Republic Services may need to cover upfront costs and seek state reimbursement later.

Quotes and sources - “This drawing … has separate areas for recycling, for your bulky items. So this is the expensive piece of the whole project,” consultant Kevin McCarthy said when describing the raised recycling depot concept. - Jackie (county solid‑waste staff) summarized RMA reimbursement processes: “When we do reimbursements, those products or services have to be used only for RMA projects.”

Financial and contractual points discussed - Republic Services and the county will likely need to update the existing franchise agreement to address RMA responsibilities and reimbursement accounting, the presenters said. - Presenters warned that RMA funding may favor jurisdictions with the greatest initial needs and that counties with smaller existing programs may be prioritized for earlier funding.

Next steps and open questions The consultant described the recommendations as draft and asked the board for feedback; a final draft will be presented in about 60 days. County staff noted uncertainties about the share of project costs that RMA will cover and stressed the county will need to track eligible expenses closely for reimbursement.