Bill Rate Changes for Solid Waste Charges

A new bill rate for the Base and Incremental Systems Benefit Charges takes effect for all property owners on July 1, 2025, to ensure continued quality of services. Systems Benefit Charges are part of your county Solid Waste Charges, which appear on your annual property tax bill. Charges are different for residential and nonresidential properties with additional charges for curbside collection services, Leaf Vacuuming Districts and Municipalities. These charges are annually reviewed and set to cover necessary costs for solid waste programs and facilities.

The increase in Systems Benefits Charges will fund the continued delivery of solid waste services.

This includes covering the cost of:

  • Program administration and staffing.
  • Maintenance and operations of collection infrastructure.
  • Operations of solid waste disposal programs and facilities.
  • Waste reduction programs.
  • Debt service on capital projects.
  • Recycling reporting and compliance.
  • Public education and outreach on waste and recycling.

The County recognizes that the bill rate reflects a significant increase from the prior year. The increase reflects the need to replace and repair critical equipment at the Resource Recovery Facility and Transfer Station. These facilities protect public safety, public health, and the environment by providing a reliable solid waste management system.

Additional Information for Solid Waste Charge Levy Year 2025

What is the Solid Waste Charge?

The Solid Waste Charge is a fee paid by all residential and nonresidential property owners which funds the operation, maintenance, and improvements of the County's solid waste management system. This includes costs related to waste collection, recycling programs, disposal facilities, and environmental initiatives aimed at improving waste management services and sustainability. The charge is made up of five fees and surcharges including:

  • Disposal Fees
  • Base Systems Benefit Charges
  • Incremental Systems Benefit Charges
  • Refuse Collection Charges
  • Leaf Vacuuming Charges

What does the charge pay for?

The Solid Waste Charge ensures that the costs of providing essential waste management programs and services are fairly distributed among all county property owners. It helps maintain the quality of services, support recycling efforts, and fund the necessary facilities and systems needed to manage waste.

What do the Base Systems Benefit Charges pay for?

The Base Systems Benefit Charges are paid for by all improved property owners. Revenue from this charge covers the costs of developing and maintaining basic solid waste management programs and facilities. Improved Property is any occupancy permitted property assessed at over $5,000.

What do the Incremental Systems Benefit Charges pay for?

The Incremental Systems Benefit Charges cover costs of services that differ based on the generating sector. For example, single-family homes that receive curbside recycling collection have an incremental systems benefit charge that includes the cost for that service. Multi-family and nonresidential properties have an incremental systems benefit charge that covers costs for recycling outreach and activities oriented to those sectors.

How is the Solid Waste Charge calculated?

Each fiscal year the Base and Incremental Systems Benefit Charges are set in an amount needed to maintain solid waste management programs and facilities . These charges impact the residential Solid Waste Charge, nonresidential Solid Waste Charge and all other solid waste service, collection and disposal charges and fees. The residential charge is based on the type of property (Single-Family or Multi-Family), number of dwelling units, curbside collection services provided, and the volume of waste produced. The nonresidential charge is based on the gross floor area (GFA) of a nonresidential building. It also uses reasonable estimates of the amount of solid waste produced each year at similar buildings or land uses. These are known as generator categories.

Additional charges: Properties that receive curbside trash collection services and/or are in a Leaf Vacuuming District are charged additional fees from the County.

Who is responsible for paying the charge?

The property owner is responsible for paying the total Solid Waste Charge. In multi-family units or commercial properties, the owner or manager may pass the charge to tenants.

When will I be billed for the charge?

The Solid Waste Charge is included in your annual property tax bill.

Can I reduce or avoid paying the charge?

Residential property owners may request a Solid Waste Charge refund and service suspension for property that will be unoccupied for 60 consecutive days or more. Applications must be submitted at least 7 days before the absence. Nonresidential property owners may appeal for reconsideration of the Generator category determination; and/or the gross floor area of improvements used as the basis for determining the number of GFA units.

What happens if I don't pay the charge?

The Solid Waste Charge is part of the property tax bill. If you do not pay your property tax bill, interest and other penalties will be added by the Department of Finance.

How are the funds used?

Revenues from the Solid Waste Charge are used to improve and maintain solid waste management services. This includes:

  • Funding all integrated solid waste management activities, programs, and operations.
  • Recycling and refuse collection services.
  • Recycling center operations.
  • Compost facility operations.
  • Waste reduction, outreach, and education.
  • Food waste organics recycling.
  • Maintenance of Gude and Oaks closed landfills.
  • Transfer Station operations.
  • Resource Recovery Facility (RRF) operations.
  • Out of County hauling of ash.
  • Household hazardous waste disposal and drop-off.
  • Providing recycling and waste reduction technical support, outreach, and education materials.
  • Guidance on obtaining recycling bins and containers.

What if I don't use the County's solid waste facilities? My trash is brought elsewhere.

Even if your trash is taken elsewhere and you do not directly use the County's solid waste facilities, you are still required to pay the Solid Waste Charge. This charge helps fund the broader infrastructure and services that support the County's waste management system.

This includes:

  • The operation of the transfer station, which handles the movement of waste.
  • Recycling programs and other environmental initiatives that contribute to waste diversion and sustainability.
  • The maintenance of closed landfills and other long-term waste management facilities.
  • Waste reduction, outreach, and education programs that initiatives help promote efficient waste management across the County – including businesses that manage their own waste.

In other words, the charge is not only for the direct use of the waste disposal facilities but also to support the larger infrastructure and services that benefit everyone in the County, including businesses that may dispose of waste elsewhere. If you believe you're being charged unfairly due to specific circumstances, nonresidential property owners can appeal certain aspects of the charge. For example, you can appeal your waste generation category attributed to your property.

I live in a municipality and trash and recycling pick up is provided by the municipality. Why am I getting the Solid Waste Charge?

Properties within municipalities are charged only the County's Base Systems Benefit Charge. The base charge covers basic services, programs and facilities necessary to fulfill the County's legal obligation to manage all solid waste generated in the County. All other components that comprise the total charge for the solid waste and recycling services are established by the municipalities. Please contact the appropriate local officials if you have any questions about solid waste service charges.

Why is the Solid Waste Charge increasing so much this year?

This year's Solid Waste Charge reflects costs for repairs and replacement of critical equipment at the Resource Recovery Facility and Transfer Station to continue safe and reliable operations. Like any solid waste facility, parts and components wear out over time. The projects funded through these charges increase each year, including repairs and updates to the facility to maintain safety, reliability, and emissions controls.

How will the increase benefit me or my property?

The increase will ensure the County can continue to provide safe and reliable disposal of solid waste generated by County businesses and residents. Proper solid waste management protects the environment, public health, and quality of life for businesses and residents. Additionally, the increase will allow time for a responsible transition away from the Resource Recovery Facility. By transitioning away from the Resource Recovery Facility, the County can better protect the environment and avoid more significant costs to upgrade the Resource Recovery Facility, which is nearing the end of its life.

Can I expect charges to continue increasing in the future?

Yes, the Base Systems Benefit Charge and other listed components of the Solid Waste Charge may continue to change in the future. Each year, these charges will be updated based on costs, inflation, and contract adjustments.

Given the increase in the Solid Waste Charge, are there any assistance programs available for low-income residents or small businesses to help with the added cost?

The law does not authorize subsidies, discounts, or assistance programs for the Solid Waste Charge.

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