On Tuesday, Weber County announced in a press release that an agreement has been made to lease the majority of the Weber County Transfer Station to Waste Management for 10 years, effective July 1.

“Weber County is committed to keeping the Transfer Station open and operating so residents can continue using its services at an affordable price,” Gage Froerer, Weber County commissioner, said in the release. “The lease agreement with Waste Management was the fiscally responsible decision for the County, and we expect no interruption of services to the public.”

The release also noted that the majority of services will be taken on by Waste Management with a minor exception.

“Waste Management will assume the responsibility for operating the Transfer Station’s general waste collection process, including the collection of construction and demolition material and household hazardous waste,” the release said. “The County is currently leasing a portion of the Transfer Station to another entity that collects and processes green waste on its leased portion.”

Rumors that the county was intending to close the Weber County Transfer Station outright circulated on social media earlier this spring.

Weber County Public Relations Manager Jessika Clark told the Standard-Examiner in an email Wednesday that the lease agreement benefits the Transfer Station and residents alike.

“The lease agreement with Waste Management benefits the Transfer Station and Weber County by ensuring a continuous revenue stream from services,” she said. “Residents will continue benefiting from services provided by the Transfer Station. These services include the collection of: general waste, construction and demolition material, household hazardous waste and green waste. Cities will also benefit from continued services.”

She said that there are no expectations of impacts to service as a result of the transition to Waste Management.

The press release also noted that the Weber County Human Resources Department has been working closely with Transfer Station management as the new lease period approaches.

“We are working diligently to take care of our employees at the Transfer Station,” Sharon Bolos, Weber County commissioner, said in the release. “Some employees have been hired in other departments, some have retired, some have already found other jobs, and some are hoping to be hired by Waste Management to continue their jobs as usual.”

Clark said there are currently 28 employees at the Weber County Transfer Station.

She added that the county explored all avenues to make sure the Transfer Station could operate well into the future.

“Weber County staff have been diligent in finding the best solution for the Transfer Station to keep it open while providing good competition in the local solid waste market so fees remain affordable to residents,” she said.

The full lease agreement can be viewed here: https://www.webercountyutah.gov/commission/documents/uploads/Transfer%20Station%20Lease%20Final%20Draft%20with%20Exhibits%206-5-26.pdf