St. Louis County to reduce landfill tipping fees

DULUTH, Minn. — St. Louis County announced a reduction in landfill tipping fees Monday morning.

According to officials, residents and businesses in the Solid Waste Management Area could see a decrease in their garbage bill.

Starting in January,  tipping fees at the county’s regional landfill in Virginia will be reduced by $18.93 per ton.  

Tipping fees are what the county charges to provide services at the landfill.

The current Solid Waste Management area makes up around 90% of St. Louis County.

The remaining area is under the Western Lake Superior Sanitary District (WLSSD), including Duluth and the surrounding communities.

In July, the landfill will additionally become the destination for garbage from WLSSD in addition to Carlton, Lake, and Cook Counties.

This is due to the upcoming closure of the Moccasin Mike Landfill in Superior.

“We often hear complaints when government costs increase, but in this case, thanks to a strong partnership with our neighboring communities, we’re able to reduce costs significantly,” said St. Louis County Commissioner Keith Nelson, who chairs the county’s Solid Waste Subcommittee. “We are reducing costs for haulers, and we expect them to pass those savings on to their customers – the residents and businesses of St. Louis County.”

Officials say the tipping fees are able to be reduced as operating costs will be divided among more customers.