Hillsborough to receive updates related to commercial solid waste service

The Hillsborough town board will receive an update Monday, Dec. 12 on information related to possible changes to the commercial solid waste service in town.
In early October, the commercial solid waste services provider—Waste Industries—asked the town to consider some proposals as alternatives to rate increases:
• The request to extend the current service agreement for an additional two-year period would continue the agreement through July 31, 2014. In exchange, Waste Industries would not request a Consumer Price Index adjustment through July 31, 2013.
• The other request to allow Waste Industries to use the transfer station it operates in Durham for solid waste disposal would require Hillsborough to exit an intergovernmental agreement that requires the town to use the Orange County Landfill. If approved, Waste Industries would rescind a 5-percent increase in rates that was approved in September. The rate adjustment was to help cover an increase in tipping fees at the county landfill.
At the Town Board’s 7 p.m. Monday meeting in the Town Barn, the board members will receive an update on what it will cost for the town to exit the intergovernmental solid waste agreement: $260,884. The amount is Hillsborough’s portion of the landfill system’s debt.
The commissioners also will receive results from a survey on the solid waste franchise. Eight businesses completed the survey intended to help town staff and business representatives review the current solid waste service and consider any change in 2012.
Under the franchise agreement, the town must provide notice of franchise renewal or discontinuation to Waste Industries in April—within 90 days of the agreement’s expiration.
Since 2004, the town has pursued commercial solid waste franchise agreements at the request of the business community to leverage better pricing and services as a community. Each business pays the franchise operator directly, with rates based on service level and frequency. All businesses—including multi-family complexes—churches and nonprofits are required to use the service provider.
The Town Barn is located on the Town Hall campus, 101 E. Orange St. Parking is accessed from East Corbin Street.