Jackson Proposed New Landfill Disposal Fees
The city has introduced a weight-based fee structure to support the reopening of the Jackson Rubbish Landfill.
Updated on Sept. 22, 2026 in City Hall
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The Jackson City Council has proposed an ordinance to establish new disposal fees for the Jackson Rubbish Landfill in Byram. The facility, which closed in 2024, is preparing to resume operations following the recent acceptance of its construction certification report.
Why it matters
The city is transitioning from a volume-based pricing model to a weight-based system to ensure that disposal costs more accurately reflect the volume of waste processed. This change follows recommendations from Neel-Schaffer Engineering to improve the financial management of the site.
The proposed ordinance sets residential rates at $10 per ton and commercial rates at $20 per ton. These figures replace previous charges of $5 per cubic yard for debris and variable flat rates for individual tire types.
The players
Jackson City Council
This local governing body is responsible for drafting and passing municipal ordinances for Jackson, Mississippi.
Mississippi Department of Environmental Quality
This state agency oversees environmental regulations and permitting for waste management facilities across Mississippi.
Neel-Schaffer Engineering
This professional services firm provides engineering and consulting expertise for infrastructure projects and municipal systems.
The details
To implement this system, the city installed a new scale and weighing apparatus at the Byram facility. The Mississippi Department of Environmental Quality finalized its acceptance of the required construction certification report in February 2026, clearing the path for regulatory compliance.
Timeline
The Jackson Rubbish Landfill closed in 2024.
The Mississippi Department of Environmental Quality accepted the construction certification report in February 2026.
The City Council is expected to introduce the fee ordinance on September 22, 2026.
Political Context
Opponents or residents concerned about fiscal impacts may push back against the switch from flat item-based fees to a weight-based model. Critics often argue that new fee structures at municipal facilities can place an undue burden on local contractors and small commercial haulers.
Local residents and businesses should prepare for a transition to weight-based billing rather than paying per item or per cubic yard. This change will require haulers to account for the total tonnage of their loads when planning their disposal budgets.
The takeaway
The implementation of a weight-based scale system marks a shift toward more standardized accounting for municipal waste disposal. Residents and commercial entities should familiarize themselves with the new per-ton rates before the facility resumes operation.
Further reading
For more information on local governance, visit the City Hall section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Wlbt.
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