Hubbard County approves 2026–28 hauling contract, solid‑waste staff outline organics rollout and shingles grinding

The Hubbard County Board approved by voice vote the use of Beltrami County’s hauling contract for municipal solid waste and recycling for 2026–2028, awarding hauling to Duque Trucking of Bemidji and accepting per‑mile rates of $2.84 (2026), $2.86 (2027) and $2.88 (2028).

Josh, solid‑waste staff (Speaker 12), explained the inter‑county partnership with Beltrami and Polk counties helps maximize backhauls and route savings and noted Beltrami provides and maintains shared trailers for a $31 per‑stop maintenance fee. Commissioner (Speaker 3) moved to approve the partnership and Commissioner (Speaker 2) seconded; the motion carried by voice vote.

Josh also briefed the board on organics and reuse efforts. He said a commercial organics program is expected to roll out in the first quarter of next year through a Beltrami partnership focused on larger commercial generators. Polk County is adding separation equipment at its processing facility, which will allow commingled residential organics to be separated and sent to composting; a residential program rollout is anticipated in the coming months. Josh described recent use of a horizontal grinder to process brush and said the same machine will be used to grind roofing shingles for trials blending shredded shingles with crushed concrete to evaluate dust control and road‑base uses. He noted the grinder uses two magnets to remove nails, and a future grant could fund a trommel screen to further improve product quality.

Josh said the program has processed brush for several counties and that the county plans to sell ground shingles or blended material at its site pending testing. Board members discussed test areas, nuisance burning and public interest in wood chips and grinding products.