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Boulder officials weigh landfill fees as capacity and compliance concerns rise
Summary
Council and the public discussed a state audit, limited pit capacity and proposals for landfill fees (digital payments recommended) to raise revenue; council suggested forming a committee to plan long-term solutions.
Council members and members of the public raised concerns Feb. 3 about the town landfill’s remaining capacity, audit findings and the need to generate revenue to meet compliance and closure costs.
Councilmember Josh Ellis summarized an audit-related letter and said landfill capacity is limited—roughly three years remaining in the existing pit—and that the only area deep enough for a compliant pit is where the current pit sits. He said expanding eastward could double depth but that long-term compliance will require an engineering closure estimate and more funds than the current $18,000 closure balance.
Ellis proposed implementing user fees (about $15 per load, or $30 per truck trailer) and recommended digital-only payments to avoid cash-handling problems raised by Landfill Attendant Cindy Wilson. Public commenters offered a range of suggestions: higher fees, repurposing materials, and forming a committee including community members to explore options. The council did not vote on a fee change at the meeting but listed landfill policy and fees for future agenda consideration.
