Flathead County Solid Waste District
Kalispell, Montana

Solid Waste Management Option Development and Cost Analysis

DSM developed alternative options for an integrated solid waste management system that utilized a combination of waste reduction, recycling, composting and landfilling. During the initial phase of the project, DSM worked with District staff and board members to prioritize possible future solid waste management alternatives. Phase Two of the project determined the current and potential future waste generation and composition. Through interviews and site visits, current materials diversion for disposal was determined. Based on projected population growth and economic growth in specific commercial sectors, future generation of recyclable streams was forecasted.

A final report was prepared comparing both total system costs and component costs over twenty years of implementing an integrated waste management system associated with a balefill disposal operation as opposed to maintaining the existing practice of landfilling. With this analysis complete, a final phase of the project developed a solid waste rate system that would allocate system costs equitably to those who utilized the various services. A secondary objective was to facilitate waste reduction and recycling activities by economically rewarding those individuals who avoid utilizing the disposal components of the solid waste management system.

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