Council approves temporary green‑waste rate increase after compost facility closure
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Summary
A temporary rate increase for green‑waste drop‑off at the Redwood Transfer Station was approved to cover added trucking and disposal costs after the local composting facility closed; the Solid Waste Agency recommended raising the drop‑off price from $6.50/yard (min $24) to $16/yard (min $24) for six months while a full rate review is completed.
The Grants Pass City Council voted Dec. 17 to approve a temporary rate increase for green waste at the Redwood Transfer Station following a staff recommendation and a unanimous Solid Waste Agency recommendation.
Staff explained Southern Oregon Sanitation requested the temporary increase after Southern Oregon Compost curtailed its intake, forcing green waste to be hauled to a Jackson County facility and increasing transport and disposal costs. Jason said disposal costs rose roughly 17 percent at the new location and trucking/employee costs rose about $300 per box for transfers to the farther facility.
The requested temporary adjustment raises the drop‑off rate from $6.50 per yard (minimum $24) to $16 per yard (minimum $24). Staff emphasized this change applies to transfer‑station drop‑off and does not immediately change curbside rates; however, staff said a full rate review will consider whether curbside charges should be adjusted later because curbside green‑waste volumes exceed transfer‑station drop‑off volumes.
Council approved the temporary change 6–1; Councilor Indra opposed and asked staff to pursue a full rate review. Southern Oregon Sanitation’s general manager described operational constraints and the lack of local alternatives; staff said the temporary increase is intended to prevent other services from subsidizing green‑waste handling costs.
