Chatham County proposes higher solid-waste, yard-waste and land-clearing disposal fees to cover permitting and operating costs

Chatham County budget staff recommended increases to several solid-waste and recycling fees in the FY2026 budget to cover rising operating and permitting costs.

The presentation proposed a 20-cent increase in the countywide solid-waste fee, raising it from $1.37 to $1.57, and a $5-per-ton increase for yard-waste disposal (from $20 to $25 per ton). Staff also proposed raising the land-clearing and inert debris (LCID) disposal fee from $20 per ton to $35 per ton, a $15 increase. Budget staff said the LCID increase is needed to cover permit costs and required maintenance associated with operating the LCID landfill; environmental staff warned that without permitting the LCID facility would have to close.

Why it matters: The recommended fee increases are aimed at ensuring the solid-waste enterprise fund can recover the full cost of the services it provides. Staff projected the proposed increases would delay the need for further fee increases by about four to five years under current expense projections. The solid-waste fund also plans one-time capital purchases in FY26 including a roll-off truck and paving work at a collection center.

Staff said those increases will be subject to board review and are part of the county's larger plan to close an old utility enterprise fund once the Tri River merger is complete and to maintain enterprise funds as self-supporting operations.

Ending: Commissioners did not take a final vote on fee changes during the workshop; staff said fee adjustments and supporting material appear in the budget appendix and will be available as the board continues deliberations.