CALDWELL, ID — On April 2, 2024, the Canyon County Board of County Commissioners approved Resolution 24.041, authorizing increases in fees at the Pickles Butte Sanitary Landfill. These new fees will take effect starting October 1, 2024.

These adjustments to landfill fees, aim to address operational expenses, capital improvements, and future sustainability across the County. These fee changes also represent the first substantial adjustments made in more than two decades.

The updated fee structure includes several key changes that customers should be aware of:

• Increase in daily minimum fee from $5 to $10
• Adjustment of municipal solid waste rate from $14.50 to $18.50 per ton
• Increase in construction and demolition waste fee from $34 to $38 per ton
• Introduction of new categories such as green waste, clean wood, clean sheetrock, industrial waste, and tire shreds, reflecting evolving waste management needs
• Streamlining of fee structures for simplicity and clarity, including the removal of out-of-county waste fees
• Adjustment of miscellaneous fees, gate late fees, and credit card processing fees to better reflect operational costs

After careful analysis, the Board of County Commissioners determined that an increase in fees is necessary to cover the increasing costs of services provided by the landfill. Evaluation of these fees are set to cover the costs of services ensuring long- term suitability and efficiency within the Canyon County’s solid waste management system. Capital Improvements, including the addition of a gas collection system and methane flare station, hardscape improvements, additional staff to assist with weekend traffic, as well as contracts for handling hazardous waste will ensure that the quality and service expected by residents in Canyon County will continue for many years to come.

For a full list of the new fees and more details, please visit the Solid Waste Landfill website at https://www.canyoncounty.id.gov/elected-officials/commissioners/solid-waste/.

*A breakdown of fees can be found here: 24_08.27_046_Attachment_Landfill Fees to increase Oct 1_2024

The unanimous decision followed an almost three-year-long process and a crucial agenda meeting, marking a significant step forward in enhancing waste management services in the region.

The decision and new partnership with Timber Creek Recycling was called a “win-win” for the County by all the Commissioners.

Commissioner Leslie Van Beek praised the services and innovative spirit that Timber Creek Recycling has demonstrated since integrating into the Nampa community. This new facility represents a significant step forward for Canyon County, showcasing the BOCC’s vision for a sustainable future and strong community partnerships.

“With a good working board and a vision for the future—that’s what I see in this board and this community partnership—we’re moving Canyon County forward and that’s an amazing win,” Commissioner Van Beek said.

Commissioner Zach Brooks spoke of the convenient location and the value it will bring to the County, highlighting that it will be closer for some residents who will no longer have to trek all the way out to Pickles Butte Landfill.

Chairman Brad Holton acknowledged that while the process might have felt long the board needed to do its “due diligence” to ensure the partnership between a private business, like Timber Creek Recycling, and county government was done correctly.

“As a board, we’ve made every effort to do our due diligence and ensure this was a public process. Transitioning from private business to intersecting with government can be cumbersome, and I appreciate Timber Creek Recycling’s patience. At the end of the day, this partnership is an efficiency for Canyon County citizens and a win-win for both sides, which is not always common in government and private industry,” said Chairman Holton.

Key Benefits for the Canyon County Community:

Enhanced Waste Management: The new transfer station will serve as an additional drop-off location for household waste, alleviating traffic congestion and reducing wait times for residents using landfill services. The facility will help minimize blowing waste and trash along Missouri Avenue and throughout the County, as fewer vehicles will need to travel to and from the landfill.

Strategic Location and Future Expansion: The site is strategically located within the County and close to major transportation routes, making it convenient for residents. It’s zoned for industrial use and minimizes its impact on neighboring properties. There is potential for future expansion, including the installation of a rail spur for efficient freight movement.

Commitment to Sustainability: Timber Creek Recycling manages over 400 million pounds of recyclable materials annually, underscoring their dedication to sustainability. By preventing the need to move materials multiple times, the company’s innovative processes reduce environmental impact and enhance operational efficiency.

Innovative Recycling Practices: Timber Creek Recycling has introduced several pioneering recycled products to the Treasure Valley over the past seven years, including concrete with rebar, sheetrock, biosolid compost, and both commercial and packaged food waste recycling. Canyon County is among the first in Idaho to recycle and repurpose sheetrock and clean wood, showcasing a commitment to sustainability and innovation.

Community and Economic Benefits: As a private transfer station, Timber Creek Recycling assumes more financial and operational risks, protecting the community from unexpected liabilities. The facility’s construction is estimated at $3 million and is slated to open by late fall/winter of 2024, bringing jobs and economic growth to the region. By extending the lifespan of public landfills and encouraging economic development through material reuse, the new facility will have a lasting positive impact on the community.

Mike Murgoitio, CEO of Timber Creek Recycling, expressed excitement about the partnership with Canyon County, highlighting the company’s role as a good neighbor and partner. “This new facility represents a significant opportunity for the community, fostering sustainable practices and enhancing waste management services in the region,” said Murgoitio.

On May 17, 2024, the Canyon County Board of County Commissioners approved the contract agreement and necessary permits for Timber Creek Recycling to establish a full-service solid waste transfer station in Nampa.

Timber Creek Recycling manages over 400 million pounds of recyclable materials annually, underscoring their dedication to sustainability. By preventing the need to move materials multiple times, the company’s innovative processes reduce environmental impact and enhance operational efficiency.

The new transfer station will serve as an additional drop-off location for household waste, alleviating traffic congestion and reducing wait times for residents using landfill services. The facility will help minimize blowing waste and trash along Missouri Avenue and throughout the County, as fewer vehicles will need to travel to and from the landfill.

The decision hinges on whether to grant Timber Creek Recycling the necessary permits to establish a full-service solid waste transfer station at 16933 Northside Boulevard in Nampa.

Timber Creek Recycling is a regional waste management company with operations in 10 locations. They offer services such as trucking, grinding, crushing, turning, screening, and demolition.

What this could mean for the Canyon County community?

The proposed transfer station would enhance waste management in Canyon County by adding a new drop-off location where they already convert various waste materials into usable products like cattle bedding, colored mulches, compost, animal feed, recycled asphalt, and soil/gravel, thereby boosting waste diversion efforts.

The introduction of this additional site as a full-service solid waste transfer station and secondary drop-off location for household waste would help alleviate traffic congestion and reduce wait times for residents using landfill services. It could also minimize blowing waste and trash for residents along Missouri Avenue and throughout the County, as fewer vehicles will be traveling to and from the landfill.

The current site is already up and running, and it’s accepting materials. It’s strategically located within the County and close to major transportation routes. The site is zoned for industrial use, which minimizes its impact on neighboring properties. Additionally, there is potential for future expansion, including the installation of a rail spur for efficient freight movement.

Timber Creek Recycling is dedicated to sustainability, managing over 400 million pounds of recyclable materials annually.