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Advisory committee accepts staff findings on Hillsborough Garbage certificate, pending action items
Summary
Washington County staff reported Hillsborough Garbage Disposal is generally compliant with county code but must complete several corrective actions; the Garbage and Recycling Advisory Committee accepted the staff review and its findings by voice vote.
The Washington County Garbage and Recycling Advisory Committee voted to accept a staff review finding that Hillsborough Garbage Disposal (Sanitary Service Certificate No. 4) is generally in compliance with county code, provided a set of staff-identified action items are completed.
Erin Stein, the county’s senior policy coordinator, told the committee the periodic four-year review is required by Washington County Code 8.04.214 and that staff used a questionnaire and supporting records to assess compliance. "Overall, Hillsborough Garbage Disposal . . . is in compliance with many of our solid waste and recycling administrative rules," Stein said, noting specific areas where the certificate holder has agreed to make fixes.
Stein identified four primary follow-up items staff expect HDD to address: securing third‑party translation services for customers with limited English proficiency (the county judged Google Translate insufficient); correcting billing-statement language so rates and descriptions align with board‑approved language; reversing inappropriate finance fees charged to unincorporated customers and auditing for similar errors; and clarifying annual notice procedures to multifamily property managers. Staff also asked the holder to replace an undefined "overloaded container fee" with a prorated unscheduled-service or callback fee consistent with county rules.
Committee member Brian Saint John moved to adopt the staff report "without objection," a motion seconded by Vinod Singh; the present members voiced approval and the chair declared the motion carried. Erin Stein recited the roll as members signaled their votes. The committee did not record any opposed or abstentions among members present.
During questions, Saint John asked about a lapsed surety bond cited in staff materials. Stein said the bond is required by code but acknowledged the county and its legal counsel are unclear on how the bond is applied and noted the bond level dates from 1967. "This is one of those areas that I have flagged for getting to the bottom of in a future code change or rulemaking," she said.
The committee’s acceptance of the staff review does not change the requirement that Hillsborough Garbage complete the listed corrective actions; staff told the committee HDD has until the end of December to achieve full compliance under the administrative rules. Staff will track and report on those outstanding items and return to the committee or Board of Commissioners as required.
