Waste prevention is a top priority in Island County’s waste management plan. However, the rate structure for customers of Island Disposal Inc. totally contradicts this “priority.”

If you are able to limit your household waste production, and use the least-waste option offered by Island Disposal, you will pay a hefty premium for your trouble. In fact, the more you conserve, the more you pay; the more you throw out, the cheaper it gets. The difference is considerable, and the disincentive to conserve is consistent through the rate structure.

Rate increase or no rate increase, this structure is backwards and has to raise questions as to actual priorities. If the object was to maximize production of household waste and minimize interest in conservation, this would be a great plan.

Also of interest is a plan floated last fall by the county to increase total participation in recycling programs, a laudable goal; but, it would also have the effect of penalizing many customers who already recycle, while increasing volume hauled by Island Disposal Inc., subsidiary of California-based Waste Connections, Inc.

I think Island County’s stated priorities would be better supported if its waste-management system encouraged conserving more, and hauling less, and it would be more fair.

Allen McRill

Oak Harbor