Washington Terrace council directs waste-stream to Weber County transfer station

The Washington Terrace City Council voted unanimously July 7 to follow staff recommendations to direct the city's self-haul waste stream to the Weber County Transfer Station operated by Waste Management. The motion was moved by Council Member Jeff West and seconded by Council Member Zunayid Z. Zishan; the vote was recorded as approved unanimously (4-0).

City Manager Tom Hanson presented two proposals: Republic Services' Ogden Transfer Station at $49.14 per ton and Waste Management's Weber County Transfer Station at $49.65 per ton. Hanson told the council the proposals include discounts for resident self-haul and noted an out clause will be included in a five-year contract. "While cost is an important consideration, staff noted that there is value to Waste Management as they have provided an environment for residents to bring their various waste products to the transfer station," Hanson said.

Mayor Mark C. Allen said curbside pickup will remain with Republic Services under the city's existing two-year contract and that his preference is to support the county facility. "We will continue with Republic Services for curbside pick-up," Mayor Allen said, while also expressing support for keeping the transfer-station operations in Weber County to protect that public asset.

Council Member Cheryl Parkinson confirmed both transfer stations will accept resident self-haul loads and noted the written proposals were well prepared; she questioned whether the small overall cost difference justified a change in direction. The council discussed the revenue benefits to Weber County from leasing and operating the facility and the competitive market created by recent ownership changes.

The council's approval directs staff to proceed consistent with the agreement and discussion presented at the meeting. The motion carries no immediate change to curbside collection agreements, which remain with Republic Services under the city's existing contract.