The cost of a dump run will get a little more expensive in the new year.
Island County commissioners are set to approve a 15.3% increase in solid waste tipping fees, which are paid by garbage truck haulers and people bringing their materials to the transfer station in Coupeville. The hikes primarily impact large loads, although curbside pick-up customers could potentially see some of the increase passed on in higher service rates that have not yet been determined.
Instead of taxes, tipping fees fund the Island County Solid Waste Division. According to a Jan. 8 memo from James Sylvester, the county’s assistant public works director, the increase has been recommended in order for revenue to keep up with expenses.
“The cost increase is, to a significant degree, due in part to the last 18 years of contracted annual inflation adjustments for disposal being applied at only 70% of the Consumer Price Index, and transportation at only 95% of the Consumer Price Index,” Sylvester wrote in the memo to the county commissioners.
As a result, municipal solid waste will increase from $183.37 to $211.43 per ton, construction/demo/bulky waste from $194.02 to $223.71 per ton and oversized, hard to handle waste from $201.82 to $232.70 per ton.
Franchise haulers, which excludes the city of Oak Harbor, can expect to pay $200.51 per ton under the new rate structure, up from $173.90 per ton. For its compacted route truck waste, Oak Harbor can expect to pay $186.88 per ton, up from $162.08 per ton.
Yard debris, appliances and tires are all unaffected by the tipping fee increases.
“Our minimum charge would stay the same so small self-haulers would not see the increase in price,” Sylvester told the county commissioners during last week’s work session.
Commissioner Jill Johnson asked why not go for a 16% hike to bank capacity for capital improvements. Slyvester responded that the county is trying to keep costs as low as possible.
Commissioner Janet St. Clair noted that consumers won’t see the impact of the tipping fee increases until after it’s passed onto franchise haulers, who could decide to raise prices for garbage pick-up but would need to get those rates approved by the Washington Utilities and Transportation Commission. A non-franchise hauler, like the city of Oak Harbor, would seek approval from the city council for any increases in garbage rates.
Commissioner Melanie Bacon sought assurance from Sylvester that the proposed tipping fee increases are adequate for the county to cover its cost increases. Sylvester said part of the resolution requires a rate study every five years.
The commissioners plan to approve the tipping fee increases at their regular meeting on Jan. 28. Following approval, the new rates will go into effect Feb. 1.
