The garbage hauler that handles Springfield’s trash has not paid millions of dollars in fees it owes to Lane County, according to the county. That could mean higher fees for Springfield residents at transfer stations, and could impact garbage bills for everyone if local governments can’t reach a solution.
Every time most Lane County residents pay their garbage bill, a portion of their money is set aside for something called a “system benefit fee.” It’s supposed to go to the county to help cover the cost of operating its 15 transfer stations and other recycling programs. But Springfield’s hauler, Sanipac, hasn’t been sending that money to the county in at least a year.
That’s according to documents KLCC obtained through a public records request, as well as interviews with county officials…