Countywide : Cities Invited to Ship Their Trash 300 Miles to Arizona County

Officials of La Paz County in Arizona hope to convince Orange County cities that the answer to their garbage troubles lies in a desolate landfill there.

La Paz County has sent letters to all 31 of the cities proposing that they ship their garbage nearly 300 miles to Arizona. They have held more detailed talks with several cities, including Newport Beach.

“We’re trying to educate people about their options at this point,” said Greg Upton, a La Paz County supervisor.

Cities are still reeling from the county’s decision earlier this year to increase landfill fees from $22.50 to $35 a ton. The increase could add as much as $10 a year to the average family’s trash bill.

La Paz County is offering to accept Orange County garbage for $30 a ton. Already, several cities in northern San Diego County have dumped trash in the Arizona landfill, which is at the border near Blythe.

But some question the viability of the proposal. Even with the fee increase, the county’s landfill rates remain lower than those in San Diego and many other nearby jurisdictions.

“It makes me wonder that if cities in Orange County can save money shipping trash to Arizona, why they aren’t doing it now?” asked Board of Supervisors Chairman Roger R. Stanton at Tuesday’s meeting.

Still, Upton maintains that La Paz can offer cities a workable alternative.

“We’re going in because we feel there is an opportunity in the market,” he said.