Simcoe County readies to remove tipping fee on scrap metal

New Tecumseth Free Press Online February 11, 2011

Simcoe County is betting that foregoing revenue from tipping fees on scrap metal dropped off at its landfill and transfer stations, will generate larger returns on the resale end.

That’s one of the conclusions drawn in a report to the Corporate Services Committee, whose recommendations on waste tipping fee changes for 2011 include lowering several categories “to encourage customers to properly separate and divert these materials in the appropriate diversion area.”

Scrap metal is one of the few “waste” items that generates money both ways for the County.

“The (waste management) strategy recognizes that by removing tipping fees for metal would remove revenue from the budget (estimated to be about $69,000); however the County also receives revenue from the sale of scrap metal,” according to the report. “The strategy points out that removing the tipping fees will encourage additional diversion of scrap metal and potentially increase the revenue from the sale.”

In fact, the various changes to tipping fees estimate a $568,300 drop in revenue – though on the other hand, there’s a move to raise tipping fees for garbage to $155, from $115, which could add up to $18 more annually per ratepayer to the waste levy, and raise about $2.4 million in revenue.

Among the waste items being considered for lower tipping fees: 

Brush and leaf yard waste; CFC appliances would be $10 flat fee per unit; drywall (wallboard) and asphalt shingles would go from $115 per tonne to $75. But wood waste would increase from $55 to $75, increasing revenue by approximately $150,000