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Solid waste keeps two passes per household

CHLOE COCHRAN | Hagadone News Network | UPDATED 1 month, 3 weeks AGO
by CHLOE COCHRAN
| September 18, 2026 1:00 AM

SANDPOINT — As Bonner County residents prepare to adjust to a new solid waste pass system, the Bonner County Solid Waste department confirms that they will keep the two passes per household system.

Commissioners made the decision during Tuesday’s workshop with the Board of County Commissioners, unanimously agreeing to send residents two cards per household with the 2027 solid waste fee. The decision aligns with the department’s existing two-sticker system.

In the meeting, commissioners opted to wait to decide a replacement fee for the cards. Solid waste director Bob Howard said the cards range from 41 cents to 61 cents, but the department has yet to decide the cost of labor to reprogram and reissue the cards.

Commissioners are moving from windshield stickers to cards as part of the 2027 voucher rollout, aiming to improve data and address pass-sharing concerns. Officials noted residents must physically present the card; photos or screenshots will not work.

The cards integrate with the department’s new point of sale system, which is slated to start running in October.

Commissioners also discussed a potential tier pricing system, charging residents by amount dumped rather than capping everyone to a three yards per day.

They said the current “three yards a day” language does not reflect actual average use and needs to be recalculated. However, commissioners did not make a decision on the matter.


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