Polk County Board Approves Increase in Solid Waste Disposal Fees at North Central Landfill

Published: July 1, 2025

Introduction

On July 1, 2025, the Polk County Board of County Commissioners announced an increase in solid waste disposal fees at the North Central Landfill, effective October 1, 2025. This decision aligns with the county’s commitment to sustainable waste management practices, contributing to the achievement of several Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDG 11 (Sustainable Cities and Communities) and SDG 12 (Responsible Consumption and Production).

Details of the Fee Increase

1. The disposal fee for residential solid waste and construction and demolition debris will increase to $46 per ton.
2. The fee for yard waste disposal will rise to $36.50 per ton.
3. An annual fee increase of 5% is scheduled for the next five years to ensure ongoing support for landfill operations.

Supporting Sustainable Development Goals

• SDG 11 – Sustainable Cities and Communities: The fee adjustments aim to support the sustainable operation and development of the North Central Landfill, promoting environmentally responsible waste management within Polk County.
• SDG 12 – Responsible Consumption and Production: By revising disposal fees, Polk County encourages better waste segregation and reduction, fostering responsible consumption patterns among residents and businesses.
• SDG 13 – Climate Action: Sustainable landfill management contributes to reducing greenhouse gas emissions associated with waste decomposition.

Official Statement

Dale Henderson, Polk County Solid Waste Director, stated, “The Polk County Solid Waste Division is pleased to have the support of the Board of County Commissioners. The revised fees are intended to support the continued development and sustainable operation of the North Central Landfill.”

Additional Information

For more details on landfill services and the updated fee schedule, please visit:

• Polk County Solid Waste Services
• Polk County Official Website

1. Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) Addressed or Connected

1. SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities
   • The article discusses solid waste management and landfill operations, which are critical components of sustainable urban development.
2. SDG 12: Responsible Consumption and Production
   • The increase in disposal fees and focus on sustainable landfill operations relate to managing waste responsibly and promoting sustainable consumption patterns.
3. SDG 13: Climate Action
   • Effective waste management can reduce greenhouse gas emissions from landfills, contributing to climate action efforts.

2. Specific Targets Under Those SDGs

1. SDG 11 – Target 11.6: Reduce the adverse per capita environmental impact of cities, including by paying special attention to air quality and municipal and other waste management.
2. SDG 12 – Target 12.5: Substantially reduce waste generation through prevention, reduction, recycling, and reuse.
3. SDG 13 – Target 13.1: Strengthen resilience and adaptive capacity to climate-related hazards and natural disasters in all countries, which includes managing waste to reduce environmental risks.

3. Indicators Mentioned or Implied

1. Indicator for SDG 11.6:
   • Municipal waste collected and managed in controlled facilities (implied by the landfill fee adjustments and sustainable operation focus).
2. Indicator for SDG 12.5:
   • National recycling rate, tons of material recycled (implied by the management of different types of waste such as residential solid waste, construction and demolition debris, and yard waste).
3. Indicator for SDG 13.1:
   • Number of local strategies or policies implemented to manage waste sustainably and reduce environmental impact (implied by the fee increase aimed at supporting sustainable landfill operations).

4. Table of SDGs, Targets, and Indicators

Source: polk-county.net