FY2026 Proposed Operating and Capital Budgets

FY2026 Proposed Budget Fund Budgets

Solid Waste Management

Solid Waste Management The Solid Waste Management Fund is a separate self-supporting fund that accounts for a variety of solid waste activities and services for both commercial and residential customers within Frederick County. The three primary services provided are solid waste facilities, a County-wide recycling program, and composting that accepts yard waste and sells compost finished product. The Reich's Ford Landfill site covers 530 acres in the southeast part of the County. Established in 1968, it is the County's only public sanitary landfill. All burning dumps were closed in 1974. The landfill is open to County residents and accepts all solid wastes except hazardous materials, pathological wastes, animal carcasses, waste oil and abandoned vehicles. Alternative disposal programs usually regulate these restricted wastes. Private contractors collect solid waste in all the county's election districts and local municipalities except in Frederick City which employs collection crews. Budget Highlights The FY26 budget reflects an increase in contract pricing for recycling as well as an adjustment to investment earnings. A partial FTE (0.6) was reallocated to the Division of Water & Sewer Utilities to better align with current workload. Replacement capital equipment in the amount of $1,900,000 was approved for FY26. An independent study of salary and benefits was conducted. As a result, the budget reflects a several year phase in to adjust the salaries of certain positions to reflect current market rates, as well as adjustments to salary scales, position titles, and classifications. Changes in salaries and benefits based on contracts, individual benefit elections, tax laws, etc., are also included.

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