Fremont County looks to increase recycling with federal grant

People in Fremont County could see a decreased cost in their trash bill if a half-million dollar grant is approved by the federal government. The county’s goal is to use the money to build a recycling center and weigh scales by the county’s waste transfer station in Saint Anthony.

“The recycling center will be placed before the scales,” said Brandon Harris, Fremont County’s Public Works director. “The goal of this is to help people, who recycle, so they won’t have to pay for that (garbage) when they dump it in the landfill.”

Right now Fremont County pays money to send most of their trash to Jefferson County. Local leaders hope by building the recycling plant, they won’t have to pay as much for trash services.

“There will still be a landfill fee, but it should be reduced dramatically,” said Jordan Stoddard, Fremont County’s commissioner chairman. “What we’ll do is switch it to a tipping (pay for use) fee so that people who bring garbage to the landfill will pay for the usage.”

Harris said EPA and DEQ regulations from last year forced them to raise their rates. With this new recycling option, combined with a change in how the county charges for trash services, they hope to make it easier on its users and help people save money.

Harris said the county should know if the grant is approved by next April.