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Washington County solid‑waste representative outlines landfill upgrades, rising recycling costs
Summary
Shane McDonald of the Washington County Solid Waste District told the Ivins City Council the county is opening phases 1–2 of landfill upgrades to improve truck access and scale systems, and warned that recycling has become more expensive because markets no longer pay for commodities.
Shane McDonald, representing the Washington County Solid Waste District, told the Ivins City Council on Dec. 5 that the district is moving forward with major upgrades at the county landfill after more than 20 years without significant improvements. He said phases 1 and 2 will improve truck circulation and install a better scale system to reduce equipment damage and accommodate larger vehicles.
McDonald said the district has applied for funding to complete a Phase 3 convenience center to replace the current line of dumpsters and make drop‑offs safer and more accessible. He said a fall at the facility last year caused injuries and was part of the impetus for completing the upgrades.
On the rising cost of recycling, McDonald told the council, “We’re not getting paid for the commodities that get recycled,” and said the market for recyclable materials has collapsed. He said some recycling still reduces pressure on the landfill — extending its service life — but that processing and transportation add cost: recyclable material is transported to a sorting facility in Las Vegas where more is recovered, and some contaminated material still ends up in landfills.
McDonald described local recycling as labor intensive and said automation exists but is “extremely expensive.” He invited council members to tour the landfill and recycling facility, adding, “If anybody ever wants to go out to the landfill and talk trash, I’m willing to take anybody out there.”
Council members asked about participation rates and opt‑out policies; McDonald said Ivins’s recycling is included as part of the city’s service with an opt‑out process for hardship cases and that some costs are passed directly through the district’s contractual rate. He also noted the district sets aside funds to cover the 50‑year post‑closure maintenance that law requires for landfills.
The presentation closed with council thanks and an offer to arrange tours for members interested in seeing operations and safety improvements.
