Ellis County approves annual solid-waste plan review and raises HHW disposal fees for large/business loads

The Ellis County Commission approved the annual review of the county's Solid Waste Management Plan and adopted modest increases to household hazardous-waste (HHW) disposal fees aimed mainly at larger business or out-of-county loads.

Environmental Services Director Justin Craig told the commission the plan is subject to a five-year major update but requires an annual review for minor changes; the county will forward the approved annual review and minutes to the Kansas Department of Health and Environment (KDHE) to satisfy reporting requirements. "This required to be updated every 5 years with major changes, but then we do an annual review for any minor changes that are in there," Craig said.

On HHW fees, Craig said routine household users can still drop off up to 55 pounds per month for free; the proposed rate increases target larger volumes from businesses or special cleanups and are intended to cover disposal costs. Examples included an increase noted in the discussion to 97¢ per pound for some items, a 20¢ increase for latex paint and other increments aligned to disposal costs. Craig and commissioners discussed the risk of higher fees driving improper dumping; Craig said the county typically receives only occasional large business loads and estimated the budget impact at a few thousand dollars a year.

Commissioner 2 moved to approve the annual review of the Solid Waste Management Plan and the proposed HHW rate changes; Commissioner 3 seconded both motions. Each item passed on voice vote, 3–0. Craig said the county sends most hazardous materials off-site (Clean Harbors in Wichita was cited for transportation/disposal) and salvages usable products where appropriate.