Sevier County tightens residential trash limits, updates fees for short-term rentals

Sevier County commissioners on Oct. 16 adopted updates to the county’s solid-waste operations and fee schedules aimed at keeping intake centers operating and preventing compactor overload.

Presenters Matt Rudder and Bryan McCarter told the commission that the updated Solid Waste Operation Policy establishes a daily limit for residential intake: "five (5) bags or one (1) one truck bed or small trailer for demolition per day." The policy also allows expansion of certain sites for residential and short-term rental intake and extends hours at some locations to reduce premature compactor fill and unplanned site closures.

Commissioner Greg Haggard moved to approve Resolution 2023-10-02; the motion was seconded by Don McGill and carried by roll call vote, 21 yes, 4 absent. A separate motion to adopt a fee-schedule update for short-term rental household garbage sites (Resolution 2023-10-03) was moved by Aaron Foster, seconded by Warren Hurst, and passed 19 yes, 2 no, 4 absent.

County leaders said the policy update formalizes limits that had previously existed but were not enforced and that media releases will inform residents and owners of short-term rentals about the changes. The commission did not provide detailed fee amounts in the meeting record; the fee-schedule change was recorded as adopted but specific prices were not specified in the transcript.

The commission recorded both votes in its minutes and instructed staff to proceed with public notification.