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Dubois County to raise trash-sticker price to $2 starting Jan. 1, 2026
Summary
After a lengthy discussion of solid-waste operations and budgets, the Dubois County commissioners voted to raise the price of a 45-gallon trash sticker from $1.50 to $2 effective Jan. 1, 2026, to bolster a fund used to maintain transfer sites and buy trucks and equipment.
Dubois County commissioners voted Aug. 18 to raise the price of a 45-gallon trash sticker from $1.50 to $2, effective Jan. 1, 2026, aiming to generate additional revenue for the county—s solid-waste fund and planned site improvements.
Commissioners and solid-waste staff described heavy use of transfer sites, aging compactors and trucks, and rising maintenance needs during an extended discussion that covered operations, where recyclables are taken, and the fund balance. County staff estimated that the $0.50 increase would produce about $145,000 in extra annual revenue under current sales patterns.
The commissioners said the fund is used to finance trucks, compactors, site rework and occasional property purchases. Solid-waste staff explained the county hauls plastic to Martin County and steel/aluminum to local salvage yards; some materials return small receipts that are deposited back into the solid-waste fund. The board discussed how the fund had been conserved in certificates of deposit for major purchases such as trucks and site rebuilds.
Several commissioners urged early public notice and the option for residents to prebuy stickers before the Jan. 1 price change. Staff said sites will sell stickers but warned limited on-site inventories. The board agreed a Jan. 1, 2026 implementation date would give residents time to prepare; they said they would limit pre-purchases per household to 100 stickers.
During discussion commissioners and staff said: the county runs four trucks for trash and recycling collection (two primarily for trash and two for recycling); only three of the county—s sites have compactors; and the county earns modest revenue from recycling. Commissioners noted capital expenses looming for sites in DuBois and Holland and that delaying the increase could exhaust the fund in coming years.
The motion to raise the sticker price passed by voice vote. Commissioners said the additional revenue will be restricted to the solid-waste fund and earmarked for site improvements, trucks and infrastructure needs rather than wages.
In the discussion commissioners also confirmed: stickers apply to 45-gallon bags (two stickers can be used together for a larger load), recycling at county sites will remain free, and people may prebuy stickers at the sites but should call ahead if stock is limited. Staff said the county will publicize the change and allow residents to prebuy before the effective date.
The board asked staff to prepare further communications so residents understand where recyclables go, how sticker revenue will be used, and how to prebuy before Jan. 1.
