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Board adopts solid‑waste disposal rate increases for transfer stations and Browns Island
Summary
After a public hearing, Marion County commissioners approved adjustments to disposal rates at county transfer stations and the Browns Island compost site to address revenue shortfalls following the closure of the ReWorld Marion facility and increased operating costs.
Salem — Marion County commissioners on Aug. 27 concluded a public hearing and voted to adopt changes to solid‑waste disposal rates at county transfer stations and to update Browns Island yard‑debris pricing.
Brian May, Public Works Environmental Services division manager, presented the proposed adjustments and the cost‑of‑service rationale. May said the county’s solid‑waste fund faces an estimated $7 million annual impact tied primarily to the closure of the ReWorld Marion facility on Dec. 31, 2024 (which he estimated reduced county receipts by about $5 million) and rising transfer‑station operating costs (an additional roughly $1.7 million). May noted the county had not raised transfer‑station rates since Oct. 1, 2016.
Approved changes (effective Oct. 1, 2025, unless otherwise noted) - Transfer station (garbage): minimum charge increased from $25 to $30 per visit (covers first 460 pounds); per‑ton garbage rate from $107.45 to $130 per ton. - Transfer station (yard debris): minimum charge increased from $15 to $20 for the first 500 pounds; yard‑debris per‑ton rate from $59.49 to $80 per ton. - Browns Island compost site (yard debris, by yard): change from existing tiered pricing (current $15 for first 2 yards, $10 for each additional yard) to a flat $15 per yard effective Oct. 1, 2025. The county also approved a phased increase to the government rate (primarily for municipal public‑works customers) from $5 per yard to $7.50 on Oct. 1, 2025, and to $15 per yard on July 1, 2026, giving municipal partners time to incorporate the change into next fiscal year budgets.
Why it matters: The board framed the increases as necessary to maintain transfer‑station operations and composting services after the ReWorld Marion facility closure and to prevent illegal dumping. Commissioners and staff said the phased approach for government customers aims to reduce budget shock for municipal partners.
Board action The public hearing was opened and closed; Commissioner Cameron moved to close the hearing and approve the rate changes as shown in Exhibit A. The board approved the order by voice vote.
Ending Public Works will implement the revised rate schedule and notify municipal partners and the Materials Management Advisory Council about the changes and the rationale.
