Oregon DEQ proposes increased fees for solid waste disposal

The Oregon Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) has proposed revisions to several rules in accordance with new legislation that will change solid waste permitting and tipping fee rules, as well as grant rules.

The revisions will update rules to implement the Senate Bill 245 and the Materials Management in Oregon 2050 Vision and Framework for Action. The DEQ’s proposed revisions will increase fees related to per-ton solid waste disposal permits and tipping, which will help fund material management in regards to waste prevention and toxic reduction as outlined in the 2050 Vision and Framework for Action.

The revisions will also increase the classes of facilities that incur tipping fees and orphan site fees, and create a system for distressed counties to receive reimbursements for a portion of the tipping fee increases.

The DEQ has proposed updates to the solid waste planning and recycling grant program as well, which would allows the grant funds to be used for more projects, expand the pool of eligible awardees to businesses, non-profits and other entities and comply with statutory changes.

The proposed revisions are open for public comment until November 23, and there will be a public hearing on the rulemaking on November 18 at the DEQ’s headquarter in Portland.