Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Environment Solid Waste topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Board approves $45 landfill refrigerant fee and contract amendment for certified evacuation
Summary
After public comment about possible dumping, the board set a $45 per‑device fee for appliances containing refrigerant and authorized a contract amendment allowing operator Gambi 360 to charge the fee; the operator said contractor evacuation labor runs about $23–$26 and $45 covers handling, staging and recycling costs.
The board approved a $45 gate fee per device containing refrigerant and a $1.50 credit‑card surcharge for transactions at the Mojave Valley Landfill.
Public commenters from Golden Valley and Fort Mojave raised concerns that a new fee could incentivize illegal dumping; they also asked whether the landfill operator had the licensed equipment to evacuate refrigerants and comply with EPA requirements. The landfill operator, the site contractor and Gambi 360 representatives said certified contractors will perform evacuations, and that operator handling, staging and recycling logistics add to the contractor cost. Jack Fiori, CEO of Gambi 360, told the board that contractor evaporation work is roughly $23–$26 per appliance and that the $45 gate fee is intended to cover contractor labor plus the landfill operator’s handling costs.
Staff asked the contract language to be corrected to replace the trade name “Freon” with the technical term “refrigerant.” The board authorized the chairman to sign a revised contract amendment so the operator may begin assessing the fee and processing card transactions under the approved $1.50 surcharge.
What it means: The fee is designed to provide a permitted, certified disposal option that removes refrigerants safely and reduces the likelihood that appliances containing regulated refrigerants are thrown directly into open landfill cells. Staff said certified technicians will handle evacuations and recycling consistent with federal rules.
Votes and procedure: The fee was approved after a public hearing. The board subsequently approved a motion authorizing the chairman to sign a revised contract amendment with Gambi 360 to implement the approved gate fee and card transaction fee.
