Meeker County raises demo and mixed-waste tipping fees as MPCA rules loom

Meeker County commissioners voted to raise tipping fees for the county transfer station and demolition disposal after staff reported Waste Management increased its charge by $1.97 per ton and new Minnesota Pollution Control Agency (MPCA) rules may shorten the life of demolition sites.

Land Use Director Greg Schultz said Waste Management recently billed the county with a nearly $2-per-ton increase. To offset higher hauling and disposal costs, staff proposed raising the mixed solid-waste fee to $86.50 per ton, in-county demolition tipping to $48 per ton, and out-of-county demolition tipping to $79 per ton. The board approved the adjustment on a voice vote.

MPCA rule changes described by staff would likely prohibit operating demolition sites beyond their permit dates unless counties install protective liners and leachate systems. Schultz outlined three cost scenarios: closing within four years of the new rules to avoid installing a membrane; installing a 90% membrane if extended beyond four years; or installing a 99% membrane if extended beyond seven years. He said the county’s current demolition-site capacity is roughly eight to ten years, and that the cheapest option may be closure within the initial four-year window when new rules take effect.

Commissioners asked about county tracking of out-of-county debris and whether customers accurately report origin; staff said recent tracking showed about 14% of demolition waste received in the past three months originated from outside Meeker County. Commissioners discussed tradeoffs between serving neighboring counties and preserving site life for Meeker residents.

The fee increases are intended to cover higher disposal costs and to slow demolition-site volume while the county evaluates the longer-term implications of state rulemaking.

Next steps: The county will implement the adjusted fee schedule and continue monitoring permit and rule developments from the MPCA.