Snohomish County dump fees to increase in 2026

Snohomish County will implement an increase in dump fees starting in January, the first adjustment since 2009, raising the standard household fee from $20 to $30 for loads up to 360 pounds. The County Council approved this fee increase to ensure the solid waste department continues its operations effectively. Alongside the household fee, tipping fees for waste haulers will also rise, while recycling services will remain free. Since 2010, the solid waste department has utilized property sales to subsidize its operations and maintain steady rates for customers. Public works spokesman Matt Phelps explained that these properties were part of a former landfill and sold to support ongoing operations without raising fees.

The revenue from these land sales was not intended to keep fees low but to supplement the fund balance. Furthermore, the penalty for bringing an unsecured load to the dump will increase from $10 to $25, emphasizing the importance of securing loads. This fee adjustment reflects the county's efforts to manage waste disposal costs effectively.