Salem, OR – Marion County Commissioners recently voted to extend their contract with the Brooks incinerator through June 2025, alongside an increase in local garbage rates. The decision comes amidst ongoing efforts to manage the county’s waste disposal needs and financial sustainability of its waste management services.
The Brooks incinerator, a crucial facility for waste-to-energy conversion, has been at the center of Marion County’s waste management strategy. The extension ensures the continued operation of the facility through the first half of 2025, allowing the county to meet its obligations for waste disposal. The incinerator, which processes a significant portion of the county’s trash, plays a vital role in reducing landfill waste and generating electricity for local use.
As part of the agreement, the commissioners also approved a garbage rate increase. The hike, which will affect both residential and commercial waste collection, aims to cover rising operational costs and ensure the financial health of the county’s waste management system. The new rates will help offset the costs associated with the Brooks incinerator contract and other waste management expenses, such as transportation and facility maintenance.
Commissioner members highlighted the importance of maintaining a reliable waste management infrastructure, emphasizing that the increased rates were necessary to continue providing effective and sustainable services. The decision to extend the contract was also seen as a strategic move to maintain stability in the county’s waste disposal system, which has been facing rising costs in recent years.
The rate increase has sparked concerns among some residents and businesses, with many expressing frustration over the growing costs of essential services. However, county officials reassured the public that the rate adjustments were carefully considered and aimed at ensuring the long-term sustainability of the county’s waste management services.
The Brooks incinerator extension and garbage rate increase reflect broader trends in waste management across the state, as local governments grapple with the financial and environmental challenges of modern waste disposal. As the county moves forward with these changes, it remains committed to balancing cost concerns with the need to protect the environment and provide reliable services to its residents.
As the June 2025 deadline approaches, the county will continue to monitor the performance of the incinerator and assess future waste management options to ensure that residents are served effectively and equitably.
