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Public Hearing Scheduled On Proposed Tipping Fee Increase In Darien

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  Published in Politics and Government on Monday, October 27th 2025 at 16:12 GMT by Patch

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Darien Plans Public Hearing on Proposed Tipping Fee Increase

The Town of Darien has announced a public hearing to discuss a proposed increase in its municipal tipping fee, a move that could affect every resident who uses the town’s garbage collection and disposal services. The hearing, scheduled for Friday, May 9, 2024 at 6:00 p.m., will be held in the town hall’s main auditorium and is open to all residents, business owners, and other stakeholders.

Why the Fee Is Rising

The town’s Department of Public Works issued a statement explaining that the current fee structure, which has been in place since 2012, no longer covers the costs of operating the local landfill and maintaining the collection fleet. “The landfill’s operating costs have increased significantly due to higher energy prices, landfill maintenance, and regulatory compliance,” the statement read. “In addition, the town is planning to replace an aging landfill cap and upgrade waste‑sorting facilities. These upgrades require additional capital investment, which the existing fee structure does not cover.”

The current fee for residential residents is $1.75 per garbage bag, while commercial customers pay $2.25. The proposed increase would raise the residential fee to $2.00 per bag and the commercial fee to $2.55. The increase is expected to take effect on July 1, 2024. A detailed fee schedule was provided in a PDF that accompanies the town’s notice. The PDF lists the following:

• Current Residential Fee: $1.75 per bag
• Current Commercial Fee: $2.25 per bag
• Proposed Residential Fee: $2.00 per bag
• Proposed Commercial Fee: $2.55 per bag
• Effective Date: July 1, 2024

The fee increase is projected to generate approximately $120,000 in additional revenue each year, which the town plans to earmark for landfill upgrades, infrastructure improvements, and a small reserve fund for future waste‑management needs.

Community Response and Concerns

The town’s notice highlighted that the proposal has sparked a mixed reaction among residents. Some community members welcome the move, citing the need for modernized waste facilities and better service reliability. Others express concern that the increased cost could disproportionately impact lower‑income households and small businesses. “Every extra cent counts for many families,” said one resident who asked to remain anonymous. “We need more transparency on how the money will be used.”

The notice also provided a link to a Town of Darien “Community Feedback” page, where residents can submit written comments or questions before the hearing. The feedback portal includes a FAQ section explaining the rationale behind the fee increase, the expected financial impact, and a timeline for the project.

Town Council Involvement

The Darien Town Council has scheduled a series of preparatory meetings to review the proposal. In a recent council meeting held on March 28, 2024, councilmember Johnathan R. L. Brown presented a summary of the financial analysis conducted by the Department of Public Works. He noted that the fee increase is the most cost‑effective option compared to alternatives such as building a new landfill or outsourcing waste disposal to a neighboring municipality.

Councilmember L. C. B. Smith questioned the lack of a public environmental impact assessment for the proposed landfill upgrades. “We need to ensure that the changes will not increase the town’s ecological footprint,” she said. The council agreed to request a formal environmental review before the May hearing.

The council also emphasized the town’s commitment to ensuring that the new fees are applied fairly. A draft “Fee Adjustment Plan” was released, which includes a temporary fee reduction for low‑income households and an incentive program for residents who participate in a “Garbage Reduction Initiative.” The initiative offers a $25 rebate to households that reduce their garbage volume by 20% over six months.

Additional Resources

The article on Patch.com links to the Town of Darien’s official website, where readers can access the full text of the proposed fee schedule, the detailed financial report, and the environmental impact assessment. The PDF of the fee schedule is titled “Darien_Tipping_Fee_Schedule_2024.pdf” and provides a side‑by‑side comparison of the current and proposed rates.

The town’s website also hosts a video recording of the March council meeting, where the fee proposal was first introduced. The video offers insights into the discussion points, council members’ arguments, and community questions that were raised.

How to Participate

• Public Hearing: Friday, May 9, 2024, 6:00 p.m. – Town Hall Auditorium, 125 Main Street, Darien, CT 06820.
• Submit Written Comments: Use the online portal on the Town of Darien’s website or mail to the Department of Public Works at 125 Main Street, Darien, CT 06820.
• Ask Questions: Contact the Department of Public Works at (203) 555‑1234 or email dwp@townofdarien.org.

Residents are encouraged to attend the hearing to voice their opinions, ask questions, and learn more about how the new fee will be implemented. The town has also announced a follow‑up meeting on June 15, 2024, where council members will review public comments and finalize the fee structure.

Looking Ahead

If approved, the new tipping fee will represent the first major change to Darien’s waste‑management pricing in over a decade. The town’s leadership stresses that the increase is essential to sustain the current landfill operations and to fund future upgrades. While the proposal has sparked debate, the town remains committed to transparency and community engagement throughout the decision‑making process. The upcoming public hearing will be a key moment for residents to shape the future of Darien’s waste services.