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Board directs staff to weigh landfill import strategy, negotiate WDA extensions
Summary
County officials reported a stable but finite landfill system, about $228 million in reserves and roughly $320 million estimated post‑closure obligations; the board directed staff to continue WDA city negotiations and explore managed import options and capacity expansions to protect in‑county rates and long‑term funding.
San Bernardino County staff told supervisors on March 10 that the county's five‑site landfill system is financially stable today but faces sizable long‑term post‑closure obligations and finite capacity, and the board directed staff to continue negotiations with WDA cities and study managed import options.
"As of June 2025, we have about $228 million in reserves," Public Works Director Noel Castillo told the board, and staff estimated roughly $320 million in future post‑closure monitoring and maintenance obligations. Castillo said the system currently benefits from controlled imports of out‑of‑county waste, a policy adopted in 2013 to stabilize revenue and avoid major fee increases.
Staff reported roughly 50 years of system capacity under current conditions and described significant on‑site vertical and horizontal expansion opportunities that could add decades of life if planned and permitted. They also explained the regional context: recent closures and capacity reductions elsewhere in Southern California have increased demand for remaining disposal options.
Jessica Rice, representing a working group of 15 "WDA" cities that deliver waste under discounted long‑term agreements, asked the county to offer the same rate as the current importer (or 85% of posted gate rate) and a nine‑year term to provide stability for municipal partners. Rice told the board the cities needed an equitable, predictable rate structure as the current WDA agreement expires June 30.
Board members emphasized both opportunity and caution: imports can subsidize local rates and build needed reserves for the eventual retirement and monitoring of closed landfills, but staff should balance revenue objectives with preserving county and municipal access to disposal. The board voted to direct staff to continue negotiations with WDA cities, explore competitive or bilateral approaches to additional import capacity, and return with recommendations that protect in‑county needs and the board's long‑term financial requirements.
No formal contract awards were adopted at the meeting; staff said they will study options and present proposals before the June 30 expiration of current agreements.
