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County hears MES update as gate fees rise; recycling program buoyed by commodity prices
Summary
Maryland Environmental Services told the council that gate fees and certain surcharges will increase in FY27, while the Midshore Regional Recycling Program remains solvent largely because commodity revenues improved; MES also described transfer‑station tonnages and a new Centerville drop‑off site.
Presenters from Maryland Environmental Services updated the council on solid‑waste operations and FY27 rate changes, saying some gate fees will rise and describing the factors behind the adjustments. "We're into the new fiscal year and once again... our gate fees are going up. In FY27, trash will be $74.50 a ton. That includes a recycling surcharge charge of $5," a MES presenter told the council, listing brush, mattress and transfer‑station pricing for the coming year.
MES staff explained the recycling surcharge helps fund the Midshore Regional Recycling Program and that commodity markets — particularly for metal and some plastics — largely drive the program’s finances, not volume. Staff said the program collects roughly 3,000–3,300 tons annually and that stronger commodity prices have allowed the program to generate a surplus while maintaining a modest surcharge.
Public Works later asked the council to approve a five‑year intergovernmental agreement with MES for the staffing and hauling of material from seven county recycling sites to the county’s transfer station; the council approved the commission. The estimated FY budget impact for that agreement was reported as $42,450 to cover tipping and operational fees on a per‑ton basis.
Council members noted the impact of rate changes on residents and private haulers and asked staff to remain competitive with regional rates. MES said the county’s rates remain below some other jurisdictions on the western shore and that the county recycles some crushed concrete for site work as part of its landfill extension project.
