The Board of Commissioners has approved a 3.6% increase in solid waste fees at the Columbia County Transfer Station, effective July 1, 2024.

As mandated by Board Order 6-2010, disposal rates at the Columbia County Transfer Station are adjusted annually based on the previous year's Consumer Price Index (CPI). This year's CPI increase of 3.6% has resulted in a corresponding rise in disposal rates, impacting both commercial and residential customers.

Starting July 1, the commercial tonnage rate will increase from $106.12 to $109.94 per ton. Residential customers with once-a-week curbside collection for a 35-gallon cart will also see adjustments.

The new curbside collection fees are as follows*:

• Clatskanie: Increase of $1.04 per month
• Rainier: Increase of $0.97 per month
• Scappoose: Increase of $1.19 per month
• St. Helens: Increase of $0.96 per month
• Vernonia: Increase of $2.25 per month

*check with your service provider to confirm your rate increase.

The new solid waste fees are as follows:

• Commercial Tipping Fee: $109.94/ton
  • Minimum up to 320 lbs.: $26.89
  • Over 320 lbs.: $163.59/ton
  • Senior Rate up to 320 lbs.: $16.55
• Yard Debris:
  • Minimum up to 860 lbs.: $26.89
  • Over 860 lbs.: $64.24/ton

Please note, fees for recycling items and unsecured loads will remain unchanged.

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ABOUT THE COLUMBIA COUNTY TRANSFER STATION

Located at 1601 Railroad Avenue, St. Helens, OR 97051, the Transfer Station is open Monday through Saturday from 8 a.m. until 5 p.m., except for holidays. The Transfer Station also hosts multiple Hazardous Household Waste (HHW) Collection Events throughout the year. For more information about the Transfer Station or HHW Collection Events, please call (503) 397-7259 or visit Columbia County's website at https://www.columbiacountyor.gov/departments/SolidWaste.

ABOUT COLUMBIA COUNTY’S SOLID WASTE PROGRAM

Columbia County plans, organizes, and directs recycling, reuse, waste reduction, and household hazardous waste management programs throughout its 657-square-mile area. The county also operates a transfer station in St. Helens and administers the solid waste collection events within the county's unincorporated areas.