COLUMBUS, Ohio -- The trash business is usually considered recession proof, but not lately.
The Solid Waste Authority of Central Ohio and the Franklin County landfill are feeling the effects of the bad economy, NBC 4's Marshall McPeek reported.
Each trash truck pays a tipping fee of $35.50 per ton. Those fees keep the landfill operating, but the trucks dumped 26,000 fewer tons last year, amounting to nearly $900,000.
"When people buy less, they throw away less. They throw away less. Well, less comes to the landfill," said John Remy, of SWACO.
The SWACO board of directors is now considering allowing trash from outside Franklin County.
They said it won't shorten the landfill's lifespan and won't bring in anything toxic or dangerous.
"We're trying to stabilize our financing," Remy said.
Without the extra funds, SWACO could be forced to cut back on the recycling programs and waste-reduction programs.
Plus, the board said it believes that allowing outside trash might have a positive environmental impact for communities fringing Franklin County.
"It could, potentially, save them money on landfill fees, definitely save them money in terms of gas hauling their trash elsewhere and so they reduce their carbon footprint," Remy said.
Out-of-district trash could soon cost up to $50 per ton, but no increase for Franklin County residents.
The idea isn't set in stone yet, as the board must approve the proposal. The board will meet in April and could approve it as early as then. But, they could also wait until the following month.
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