Chaffee County landfill shifts to weight-based fees, staff say revenue up but costs rising

County landfill staff told commissioners that recent changes to how the facility charges customers—moving from a $10 minimum and spot assessments to consistent weight-based billing and raising minimums—produced a sharp increase in measured yard-waste and loose trash and about a 20% revenue boost. “We also increased the minimum fee from 10 to $20, and then it's also Dirty Denver's team went live,” said a landfill staff member presenting May statistics. The presenter said the apparent jump in brush and yard waste is largely a measurement effect: items that previously qualified for a minimum charge are now being weighed and recorded in the brush-and-yard category.

Staff also described operational pressures that prompted the rate changes. Safety closures tied to high winds and the need to pay for a new lined cell and aging equipment were cited as reasons the landfill needs to sustain higher fees. A commissioner asked whether higher prices would change disposal behavior; staff replied, “You still gotta get rid of it,” and did not expect a major drop in use.

Commissioners discussed the longer-term budget picture and were told the coming county budget meetings will reflect clearer cost centers as equipment replacement schedules and capital needs are finalized. Staff said the county plans to continue comparing regional landfill rates and to provide customers information when concerns arise.

The landfill presentation and discussion did not include a formal vote. The county will review the detailed May statistics in upcoming budget hearings and reported to commissioners that some planned product testing and sales were delayed until July or August due to weather and laboratory timelines.