Madera County adopts new solid-waste collection rates, approves landfill and transfer-station drop-off services

The Madera County Board of Supervisors on June 17 adopted two resolutions approving new solid waste collection services and associated rates for franchise haulers and new disposal/drop‑off services at county facilities, effective July 1, 2025.

Dominic Taberski, director of Public Works, told the board the package was intended to bring the county into compliance with state organics diversion requirements under SB 1383 and to fund recent facility improvements. “If your board, excuse me, if approved by your board this morning, these changes would be effective 07/01/2025,” Taberski said.

The board heard a detailed presentation on SB 1383 compliance, landfill and transfer-station capital work, an illegal‑dumping task force and franchise partner operations. Taberski and consultant John Carlton said the county completed a major landfill flare project in late 2024 and carried out tipping‑floor and drainage repairs at Fairmead and North Fork.

Franchise operators described local conditions and outreach. Ashley Smith of Madco Disposal said Madco is rolling out voluntary organics collection in the mountain service area starting July 1, with receptacle delivery and one‑on‑one customer education tied to the new service. “Part of what we've been doing building up to that is we've been doing solid waste workshops on the first Friday of every month,” Smith said. She noted operational challenges in mountain areas including driver recruitment, parts and insurance costs, and sparse clean‑fuel infrastructure.

Richard Cagle of Red Rock Environmental summarized valley operations, saying the company has upgraded fleet, improved customer service systems and completed an office remodel at the North Fork Transfer Station. Red Rock and Madco reported no recent regulatory violations at the county facilities.

The board debated several specifics, including: a proposed excess‑waste charge for overloaded containers, a rental fee for bear‑proof carts in mountain areas (estimated service life ~3 years), and proposed free or low‑cost carpet recycling through an existing CARE program at Fairmead (residents: up to two rolls free per visit; commercial carpet at a discounted fee). Consultant John Carlton said landfill disposal rates generally will be unchanged and that reduced fuel costs are producing modest rate decreases for many customers.

Supervisors pressed staff on enforcement and equity. Supervisor McCauley asked whether vouchers for compost bins or low‑income fee waivers could reduce illegal dumping; staff said the county is exploring voucher programs and grant funding but has not identified sustainable funding yet. Supervisor Portress and others emphasized that overloaded dumpsters create safety and equipment problems; hauler representatives said drivers document conditions and that crews will try to collect while reporting severe overloads.

After discussion the board adopted both resolutions on roll call, 5-0. The board directed staff to continue public outreach on SB 1383 implementation, monitor illegal dumping through the new task force, and report back on possible voucher or waiver options for low‑income residents.

The county also announced a household hazardous‑waste event in the mountain area (Oakhurst/Yosemite High School) on July 12, and staff said another Valley event will be scheduled later in the year.

The resolutions adopted will be implemented by the county and its franchise partners (Madco Disposal in mountain areas; Red Rock/Red Rock Environmental in the valley), and staff said the county will monitor participation and contamination rates under SB 1383 enforcement plans.