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Whitestone Landfill operator asks Pickens County to allow earlier weekday openings to boost tonnage
Summary
Hemway's LLC told the Pickens County work session it wants the county to amend a local ordinance so Whitestone Landfill can open earlier on weekdays — an estimated 3 a.m. start would add roughly 100 tons a day, the company said — and county staff will vet the request before a future vote.
Hemway's LLC, the operator of Whitestone Landfill, asked the Pickens County Commission at a work session to amend the county's landfill ordinance so the site may open earlier on weekdays, arguing the change would attract over‑the‑road commercial haulers and increase daily tonnage.
Collier McKenzie, general counsel for Matter Management, which bought and operates the Whitestone facility, told commissioners the company began operating the landfill in July 2023 and has complied with the county's host‑fee requirements. "Why don't we just see if the county can amend their ordinance, let us open earlier and try to... get some more tons in at a time of day that is more normal for over the road truckers," McKenzie said.
McKenzie said the company conservatively estimates an extra 100 tons per weekday from the proposed four additional operating hours, which he equated to about four extra truckloads daily. He also noted that the county currently receives a host fee under the agreement (presented during the session as $1.20 per ton) and that the operator's gate rates are lower than competitors because of distance and hours of operation.
Commissioners and staff raised questions about potential impacts on nearby residents and logistics. The chair pressed for local impact information, saying commissioners must consider how earlier hours would affect households adjacent to the site. The presentation noted the primary noise would be truck traffic and that the active unloading area is roughly a mile from the gate; McKenzie said the company had not received complaints from the closest house.
Staff outlined two options: amend the county ordinance to change the weekday starting hour explicitly or leave the ordinance as written and address hours in the host‑fee agreement. County staff said either approach would require returning to the board for a formal vote; legal staff will review whether the change fits within local law and report back.
No formal action was taken during the work session. Commissioners asked staff to research neighborhood impacts and legal constraints and to place the item on a future agenda if appropriate.
