Recycling compost saves you money. The cost to landfill biosolids is $60 per ton and continues to go up as landfill space runs low. The cost to recycle biosolids is $40 per ton. Not only that, but the fuel cost to truck biosolids to the California Central Valley or Arizona to landfill them is high. And best of all, biosolids are a recyclable resource that could benefit our local economy instead of wasting away at a dump.
It should also be noted that compost recycling provides the community an opportunity to reach the state-mandated goal of recycling 50% of all its waste. Should the state deem that the community is not making a good-faith effort to achieve a recycle rate of 50%, the community could face fines of up to $10,000 per day.
| Cost to landfill biosolids | Cost to recycle biosolids | |
|---|---|---|
| Basic ratepayer fee | $60 per ton | $40 per ton |
| Fuel Cost | Trucking to Arizona or the California Central Valley - High Fuel Cost | Trucking to High Desert Recycling Compost Facility - Low Fuel Cost |
| Regional Economy Cost (using less water / producing better crops) | Impacts regional economy by disposing of valuable resource as trash | Benefits local farmers |
| Compliance with state recycling law (AB 939) | Fines can reach $10,000 per day | Helps maintain compliance with AB 939. |
