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Landfill manager proposes higher C&D tip fees to cover PFAS monitoring and equipment needs

Cabarrus County Board of Commissioners · February 28, 2026

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Summary

The landfill manager briefed commissioners on Phase 5 expansion status and proposed raising construction and demolition tip fees for large customers (from $54 to $64/ton) while preserving lower rates for small residential loads; the increase aims to fund groundwater/PFAS monitoring, equipment reserves and capital contingencies.

The county landfill manager reported progress on the Phase 5 expansion (grading and surveys delayed briefly by rain) and proposed modest increases to construction‑and‑demolition tip fees for FY27.

Manager Kevin (speaker 16) said the requested fee change would affect large commercial customers most (roughly 44% of vehicle traffic but about 80% of tons received). He proposed raising the large‑load rate from $54/ton to $64/ton and modest step increases for smaller residential loads (for example, $13→$15 up to 500 pounds), while noting the county seeks to remain competitive with private regional operators (Greenway Waste Solutions in Harrisburg currently charges about $62/ton plus a fuel surcharge).

The manager said the fee increase would create a cushion to address two emerging needs: (1) potential PFAS (per‑ and polyfluoroalkyl substances) groundwater monitoring and treatment obligations under NCDEQ review and (2) future equipment or closure/post‑closure obligations. He noted the county’s landfill fund balance is healthy but that large, uncertain remediation bills and end‑of‑cell closure costs merit added reserves.

The board did not act on the proposal; staff will provide fee comparisons and estimated revenue impacts during the budget work session.

Manager Kevin also outlined regional context: the main municipal MSW landfill (Charlotte Motor Speedway) faces limited remaining airspace (roughly five years) and is pursuing an expansion; regional shifts in disposal options and possible transfer‑station investments could alter regional fees and capacity over the coming decade.