Committee approves solid waste rate increases, including $6/ton surcharge bump

The General Services Committee approved amendments to Lewis County’s solid waste surcharge and direct‑haul fees after a staff presentation outlining rising disposal costs and regulatory pressures at regional landfills.

A county solid waste staff member identified in the meeting as Tim explained the changes proposed for 2026: “We are increasing that by $6 a ton,” he said when describing a surcharge the county holds directly to Rodman that will rise from $24 to $30 per ton. He said the step is intended to preserve cash flow given lower direct hauling volumes to facilities the county uses.

Tim also described adjustments to transfer‑station rates: the county’s charge for construction and demolition and municipal solid waste would move from $103 per ton to $110 per ton, and that change includes a separate $4 per ton increase noted in committee paperwork. Tire handling fees were increased across categories: single tires from $5 to $6, single tires with rim from $7 to $8, and bulk tire disposal from $240 per ton to $260 per ton.

Committee members asked whether the county’s new data dashboard influenced the recommendation; Tim said it did: “The dashboard…did help,” he told the committee, while noting he is still learning the tool. Another legislator noted landfill operators are facing new regulations and closure costs and observed a preference for steady, smaller increases rather than large one‑time jumps.

The committee then considered a draft resolution titled “amending surcharge and direct haul fees for the solid waste department for 2026.” The motion was put to a voice vote and recorded as carried.