Rising costs for hauling and recycling trash are expected to hit the wallets of Danbury area residents.
Recycling disposal costs, or tipping fees, have nearly tripled since January, and rising fuel costs are impacting carriers that follow tipping fees set by the state.
“These rising costs are not affecting us now, but they will eventually,” said Ridgefield First Selectman Rudy Marconi.
On January 1st, the road tipping cost per ton was $44.81. That number reached $119.54 per tonne on Oct. 1, according to the Housatonic Resources Recovery Authority, which is responsible for waste management and recycling in 14 towns in western Connecticut. These costs have increased due to market factors that have impacted what recyclables can be sold and at what prices, as well as rising costs for processing materials.
Marconi said the town’s budget has not been affected because it does not provide roadside garbage collection. However, the rising cost of chips, along with rising fuel prices, could hit hard in the future.
“We have a contract up to 2029 at a set rate, so our town’s rate is not involved in this,” Marconi said. “Recycling and MSW (urban solid waste).” We do not offer street pick-up of items, everyday trash).”
Instead, residents pay a fee to pick up trash at the curb.
“Motors are paid by residents to pick up their trash and recycle, but the cost has gone up a bit to $35 a month,” says Marconi.
He and Brookfield First Select Woman Tara Karr said rising fuel costs were another factor.
Brookfield does not have a transfer station, but collects housing brushes from residents.
“Processing costs are expected to rise this year, mainly due to fuel prices,” Carr said.
A report from JD Freda contributed to this story.
