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Greenwood County considers higher landfill tire fee to shore up recycling program
Summary
County staff proposed charging a uniform $140 per ton at the landfill for tire disposal — regardless of whether retailers have paid the $2/tire state tax — to cover rising recycling costs and bring the program to net-zero; council raised concerns about illegal dumping and fairness and asked for additional data and a communications plan.
Greenwood County officials on March 17 discussed proposed changes to the county's waste-tire policy after staff reported multi-year financial shortfalls in the tire-recycling program.
Deputy county manager Rob Russian told council recent state-law changes give counties latitude to set disposal fees; staff proposed a uniform landfill charge of $140 per ton (in addition to existing state taxes) and to stop accepting retailer receipts at the scalehouse. The county estimates the $140-per-ton fee, combined with Department of Revenue refunds and eligible grants, would return the program to a net-zero financial position.
Russian explained the fiscal problem: recycling costs have risen while grants and the effective per-ton federal/state support have declined. "In fiscal year 24, we realized a net loss of almost $40,000. Fiscal 25, that ballooned to $122,000," he said, adding projected losses for FY26 of about $57,000 under current policy. "Our current cost to recycle tires is about $330 a ton," he said, while the state's tax revenue equates to roughly $180 per ton.
Under the proposed approach, retailers who bring tires would no longer show receipts to receive free disposal; everyone would pay $140 per ton at the landfill to cover the remaining recycler cost after grant and DOR funds are applied. Residents would still be allowed to dispose of up to four tires per month free if they pay the standard landfill fee, staff said.
Council members raised practical concerns. Council member Mr. Allison and others worried the change could incentivize illegal dumping or encourage retailers not to document taxes; Mr. Allison said he doubted the policy would solve the problem of offsite disposal. "If I was the tire man, I would tell you, I'll put your tires on this price provided you haul them because you can take them there free," he said, expressing skepticism about enforcement and behavior changes.
Several council members urged a phased implementation and a robust communications plan. One member suggested a 3- to 6-month phase-in to allow vendors time to adjust and for staff to publish guidance.
Next steps: Staff will bring a formal policy back to council for a vote; staff said they will provide a list of retailers that use the program and additional financial detail to inform council decisions and implementation timing.
