Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Solid Waste topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Meadowtown officials, county commissioner spar over transfer-station charges and roll-off bin rules
Summary
Town officials complained about high transfer-station fees and poor communication from the county landfill; the county commissioner and town representatives disputed why some municipalities still have large roll-off bins despite a state rule requiring covered containers.
Town officials and a county commissioner spent a significant portion of the meeting airing complaints about Meadowtown's garbage service and the county transfer station, disputing both cost and communication.
A town council member told the meeting Meadowtown paid about $6,800 in a recent quarter and "we're paying over $27,000 from Meadowtown and our residents and our businesses a year for garbage services." The council member said communication from landfill officials had been poor and that local leaders had not received promised updates when service changed.
"The commissioners promised me that we would get an email when things changed. We have seen nothing," the council member said. She also said town leaders had considered ending their contract with the county landfill over the issue.
The county commissioner described the state requirement that garbage bins be covered and said the rule drove a shift from large roll-off bins to smaller covered containers and compacting trucks. "The state made a requirement that you have to cover your garbage," the commissioner said, explaining that uncovered roll-off bins were replaced because they must be covered when not being hauled.
Residents and town officials pressed the commissioner on why some nearby communities still appeared to use larger roll-off bins. One town member asked for an audit and requested that Meadowtown be "the last municipality transfer station with the large roll off bins" if any remained under older rules.
Officials discussed operational details: smaller compacting trucks can service multiple towns in one route, which can reduce hauling trips and costs, while roll-off bins may require separate trips to the landfill. Participants discussed options such as buying a covered roll-off bin or offering municipalities an opt-out.
Why it matters: Meadowtown officials said high bills and poor communication are hurting residents and businesses. The discussion flagged potential inequities if neighboring municipalities receive different services or billing arrangements.
Next steps recorded in the meeting included town leaders requesting the county provide a clearer explanation of fees and operational rules and an offer by the commissioner to inquire further with landfill staff. Town participants said they would continue pressing the county for answers and explore an audit of transfer-station practices and fee allocations.
