Mesa County Organic Materials Composting Facility

Frank,We first implemented the drop fee in 2022, which was, at that time, for business waste only. Unfortunately, we are not immune to inflation or the associated price increases, and composting 60,000+ cubic yards of material comes with a substantial price tag. At the end of the day, we are not generating enough revenue to cover the expense of operation, and we had to extend the fee to all green-waste drop-offs.Did you know that Mesa County's Solid Waste Division is an enterprise fund? As such, we do not receive taxpayer dollars. The landfill, the Hazardous Waste Collection Facility, the Compost Facility, and our four rural transfer stations all operate as businesses, and each facility's income pays for the associated operating costs, personnel, and capital expenses.Regarding the Compost Facility, compost sales help offset costs but not enough to cover expenses. Dump fees at the landfill help to pay for the compost operation, but since opening the Compost Facility in 2000, the program has grown in popularity, and so has the deficit. In addition, Mesa County's population has grown over the last 23 years, and the compost facility is at capacity. If we hope to meet the community's needs, we must expand. Unfortunately, expansion leads to additional expenses.The drop-off fees we've implemented at the Compost Facility remain cheaper than landfill disposal fees. We hope the community will see the value of the Composting Facility and continue to support the operation despite the fee.MCSWM

We understand the frustration and disappointment residents are feeling about the new fee. Please give me a moment to explain why we had to implement a fee. Mesa County's Solid Waste Division operates as an enterprise fund, meaning we do not receive taxpayer dollars. The landfill, Hazardous Waste Collection Facility, Compost Facility, and four rural transfer stations all operate as businesses, and each facility's income pays for the operating costs, personnel, and capital expenses. The Compost Facility has continuously operated at a loss. Yes, compost sales help offset our expenses, but more is needed to pay for the entire operation. Dump fees at the landfill have always covered the remaining balance, but since opening in 2000, the compost program has grown in popularity, and so has the deficit. Additionally, our population has grown, and the compost facility is at capacity. If we hope to meet the community's needs, we must expand. Unfortunately, expansion leads to additional expenses. Yard waste is still waste, and as such, it is the generator's responsibility to dispose of it properly. Unfortunately, composting 60,000+ cubic yards of material takes tremendous effort and comes at a cost. We are not immune to inflation or the associated price increases. The cost for equipment and fuel has outpaced our ability to keep up. Compost businesses are viable, but only if there is a charge for material drop-off. In an effort to keep disposal costs low, we have implemented a fee that remains cheaper than landfill disposal fees. We hope the community will see the value of the Composting Facility and continue to support the operation despite the new fee.MCSWM