RaeKar Press Release Details Rate Increases

What has undoubtedly been the most talked about and highly debated topic of interest among citizens and county officials over the last several months, how to move forward and make necessary changes in the Solid Waste Department, was discussed at great length at the October 20, 2025 meeting of the Wayne County Commission. The Budget Committee voted on October 14 to recommend to the full commission that a tipping fee of five cents per pound be charged to commercial haulers dumping at the county transfer station in Waynesboro, and the full commission voted in the October 20 meeting to implement the tipping fee.

RaeKar, Inc. has contracts with the cities of Waynesboro, Collinwood, and Clifton to pick up city trash. A big question in the minds of commissioners and RaeKar trash pickup customers alike was just how much the new tipping fee would affect the rates charged by RaeKar to their customers. RaeKar Owner/CEO Jason Crews issued a press release and a letter to customers last week to answer that question. The press release read:

“We have worked very hard to keep our county rates down as low as possible over the years because this is our home. I feel like as a business we have given back to our community, schools, and local charities on a regular basis over the years. So, this price increase comes with great disappointment that some of our county commissioners voted on such an increase without any significant cuts to the solid waste department which is one of the largest in the state of Tennessee for a county of our size. As stated in the letter, this is one of the highest tipping fees in the state of Tennessee. We have asked the county mayor for the start date of the county’s price increase, but we have still have not received a response. Also to clarify what is being told by some commissioners, we nor anyone else have the ability to weigh every garbage can or dumpster that goes on a truck. Therefore, to be out in the community saying things like that is either malice or incompetence.”

The letter to customers posted on social media gave actual numbers as to how much RaeKar’s fees would increase. The letter posted on social media read, in part:

“Dear Valued Customer:

“On October 21, 2025, the Wayne County Commission approved a tipping (disposal) fee that affects all commercial businesses. As a result, RaeKar will be adjusting monthly rates for residential and commercial customers to reflect the County’s new disposal cost structure.

Residential & Light Commercial Cart Customers

“The new disposal rate represents an additional $9.75 per month for each cart, based on the County’s new tipping fee of a nickel per pound, which is equivalent to $100 per ton. This increase is based on the national average of 45 pounds per week per household.

Dumpster Customers (Serviced Once per Week)

Container Size Monthly Increase

2 Yard $54.17

3 Yard $81.25

4 Yard $108.33

6 Yard $162.50

8 Yard $216.67

“The dumpster increase is based upon national averages per commercial business multiplied by the number of times the dumpster is serviced per week.

“We worked with the county over the past four years to highlight ways to reduce expenses, but in the end, no cuts were made, which led to one of the highest tipping fees in Tennessee. While this adjustment is mandated by the County, we remain committed to convenient service, efficiency, and providing the best possible value to our customers. We continue to focus on operational excellence, investment in modern equipment, and responsible waste management practices that keep customer costs as low as possible.

“We appreciate your understanding and continued trust as we comply with this County-approved change. If you have any questions, change of service requests, or billing concerns, please contact our office.”

The motion in the County Commission meeting to implement the tipping fee passed on roll call vote with Commissioners Rickey Kelley, Patrick Butler, Alvin Creecy, Kathryn Staggs, Colby McDonald, Vickie Petty, Stan Hanback, David Martin, and Stephen Pevahouse voting yes. Commissioners Logan Shull, Tom Mathis, Tyler McDonald, and Jeremy Heard voted no.