SOLID WASTE FEE RATE INCREASE – 2026 Assessment Year

The Pope/Douglas Solid Waste Management Board and each County board recently adopted an amendment to increase the Solid Waste Service Fee from $130 to $139, for the 2026 assessment year. 

The State of Minnesota sets solid waste and recycling mandates and gives the Counties the responsibility to meet those mandates. Since adoption of the Waste Management Act of 1980 by the Minnesota Legislature, counties across the state have been contending with new concepts in solid waste management and how to deal with them. Landfill closures and shipping distances have increased the costs of managing solid waste. The Pope/Douglas Solid Waste Management Board adopted a progressive stand toward solving solid waste problems.

As with other capital projects, such as streets and highways, it is entirely possible that some property owners or residents will find the solid waste system more useful than others. Regardless of how the solid waste management system is used, it is necessary that all property owners and residents realize that it is available to them and the initiative to use it is the responsibility of the individual.

For further explanation or questions on the solid waste fee, contact Pope/Douglas Solid Waste Management at 320-763-9340. You may also view the Solid Waste Service Fee Explanation, and the Pope County Resolution 202509