All residential landfill permits would switch to a punch card system, commercial customers must pay per load
Small scale commercial operators say proposed changes will put them out of business
By Andrew Harris
Allegany County Public Works Superintendent Tom Windus recently provided the Public Works committee with a full overview of the proposed changes to solid waste disposal in Allegany County. The changes seek to address the rapidly rising cost of waste disposal and end some unsustainable practices. Currently Allegany County taxpayers are subsidizing solid waste programs which operate at a substantial loss each year.
Commercial disposal
Commercial waste disposal permitting will see the most substantial change. All waste collectors must apply and be issued a permit, the price is $500 per business, $100 per truck. In the past Allegany County has not required a permit for commercial haulers, they have paid a per ton rate using a monthly billing system. Under the proposed new rules, commercial permit holders can dispose of up to 10 cubic yards per trip and can only dispose at the main county landfill in Angelica. Each visit must be weighed, paid for, then dumped. All commercial transactions must be paid for with a credit/debit card or, no dumping. The new rate is $95/per ton, or if the load is found to contain recycling materials, the rate jumps to $125/per ton. Their will be a $95 minimum per visit. Allegany County reserves the right to refuse commercial disposal at anytime which facilities are unable to accept the waste.
Residential permitting
Residential permits will move to a pre-paid punch tag system that is purchased in $50 or $200 options. For $50 permits, residents receive ten dumps, the $200 includes 40 dumps plus four tires and one mattress disposal. These permits have no expiration date and residents may purchase a maximum of 80 dumps per year, eight tires, and two mattresses. Like “forever stamps,” these permits maintain value despite price increases. Any resident who wishes to purchase more than two, $200 permits within a calendar year must apply for a commercial permit.
Each trip to the landfill equates to $5 and the maximum per visit is approximately one level standard pickup truck bed, or 48 cubic feet. Expect extra inspections of solid waste at all county landfill locations to eliminate recycling from being inadvertently sent to the landfill. Recycling options will remain free to all at every county landfill.
Watch Superintendent Tom Windus at the Public Works committee meeting here, watch until minute 15 thru minute 40
Why are the county solid waste laws changing ?
Windus pointed out that the Allegany County local law surrounding solid waste disposal was created for residential customers, not for commercial haulers. The new law is intended to allow commercial businesses to use the county facilities but not overwhelm them. In many instances, commercial haulers have overwhelmed the system currently in place with sheer volume. Windus explained that, “We aren’t trying to put anyone out of business, we are just to make it more equitable and fair for everyone else.”
The proposed changes come along with a statewide crunch on landfill space and inflationary pressures on the cost of operating transfer stations and landfills. As of this article, Allegany taxpayers have been subsidizing the solid waste system via property taxes. This new local law seeks to make Allegany County solid waste operations sustainable, perhaps even a source of revenue for the county. Public Works Chairman Fred Demick said, “I think it will be beneficial, but change is tough.”
Where does the proposed law stand?
The Public Works committee has addressed this proposed law, held a public meeting with Superintendent Windus, and approved the proposed law. By all indicators, this new local law will become the law of the land within weeks. The Ways and Means committee will bring the law into consideration to approve finer points and then move the law to the full legislature. Lawmakers will then consider scheduling a public hearing and listen to supporters of, or opposition to the law.
With current residential permits set to expire on March 31st, the proposed law could create a rush to apply for new permits for the initial issuance. According to Windus the most popular, and easiest way to purchase permits will be online. It is unclear if town clerks will be selling the new permits as they have in the past.
The Wellsville Sun will provide updates as the proposed law moves through Allegany County government
As with all policy matters under the authority of the county government, residents and business should reach out to elected legislators with concerns. Here is the full list of current legislators by district
