Weber County approves 10‑year transfer station lease with Waste Management of Utah Inc.

The Weber County Board of Commissioners on June 9 approved a 10‑year lease with Waste Management of Utah Inc. to operate the county transfer station, preserving transfer station services for residents and introducing private operation with contractual protections and payment terms for the county.

Sean Wilkinson, a county staff member presenting the lease, summarized the principal terms: "This is a 10‑year term. It will begin on July 1st of this year, and there are potentially up to two successive extensions of five years each." Wilkinson said the county will receive $1 per ton for all solid waste received at the transfer station and that Waste Management will pay $0.50 per ton as lease payment for county‑owned equipment, with an intent for Waste Management to eventually purchase that equipment. The lease includes a commencement‑condition report documenting facility condition before operations begin and maintenance responsibilities for the operator.

Commissioners voiced support for the agreement, saying it preserves public access to disposal services, introduces market competition that should help keep rates lower, and reflects consultations with municipal leaders; one commissioner said seven of 16 mayors expressed support. The board also acknowledged roughly 20 county transfer station employees who will no longer be county employees under the lease and thanked them for their service.

The lease allows either party to terminate with 180 days' notice; Wilkinson said the county's termination rights are limited to specified contract conditions included in the agreement. The board approved the lease by voice vote. The lease is slated to begin July 1, subject to the commencement condition report and final administrative steps.