Dickinson County Weighs Taking Over Trash Hauling as Contract Uncertainty Grows

Dickinson County commissioners and staff held an extended discussion about the future of the county's solid waste management, weighing whether to continue contracting trash hauling to a private company or to bring the operation in-house.

Officials said they plan to send out a request for proposals (RFP) to determine what haulers would charge, while also preparing for the possibility of running the service themselves. Staff noted the county's current per-ton dumping cost has been discussed at figures ranging from $75 up to a possible $100 or more, and warned that costs could rise sharply if a new contract for 2027 raises tipping fees.

Staff expressed frustration that the company handling the county's waste, identified in the discussion as Republic, had not responded to phone calls or emails, including a request routed through the company's headquarters two weeks earlier. Officials discussed sending a certified letter to request an extension of the current contract at the same price for another six months to a year, citing the county's need to set its budget a year in advance.

Staff estimated startup costs for running the operation in-house at roughly $740,000 for equipment, not including staffing, neither of which had been budgeted. Officials emphasized the program is funded through fees paid by waste haulers rather than property taxes, though the capital startup expense remains a concern. One official said, "If we don't find a way to lower the costs, everyone's garbage bill is going to go up."

Commissioners discussed the possibility of hauling trash to Salina or north of Topeka rather than the current landfill near Perry, and explored partnering with neighboring counties. Staff said Marion County had expressed potential interest in partnering, and noted Clay County could not accept Dickinson County's household trash. Officials also said reopening a county landfill would trigger costly new regulations, including lining requirements, and was not considered fiscally sound.

Any fee increases, including tipping and gate fees, would need advance notice for the county's six commercial haulers, who would have to adjust their customer bills. A draft resolution to increase fees was mentioned. Commissioners agreed to have staff send out the RFP and gather more numbers before making decisions.